Please see our latest 2012 Newsletter, updated legislative activities, updated national board members, photo gallery and other portions of this website.  Lots of exciting things are coming our way in 2012.  The next two events follow:

1.  Information on the 2012 Unsung Hero Award Program will be coming soon.  We are working closely with USDA leadership to make this year's event one to remember. 

2.  We will be soon gearing up for our tri-annual Presidential and Council elections.  A newsletter will be forthcoming with details and ballots distributed in the near future.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

I would like to congratulate Bruce Marti on his retirement as the  OPEDA Membership Secretary on December 31, 2011.  Bruce joined OPEDA in 1964, almost 50 years ago and has been a loyal and faithful member ever since.  Best wishes to Bruce and his family in his retirement and for the New Year.

I also warmly welcome Julie Schuble to the OPEDA team.  As Assistant Executive Director, in only one month, Julie has proven to be a very capable, productive and indispensable member of the OPEDA team.  With the addition of Julie, the OPEDA office will be more fully available to our members during regular working hours and ensure someone is there to assist our members with any questions or needs.  If you are in the DC Area, please stop by and say hello and introduce yourself to Julie.

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank and congratulate our most recent OPEDA President (Acting), Jeff Williams, on his recent retirement.

As many of you know, Jeff served as acting President on my behalf for several weeks last Summer 2011 while I was seriously ill and hospitalized with three bouts of diverticulitis and later while I was undergoing and recovering from major abdominal surgery.  Jeff's enthusiasm was contagious.  He did an excellent job.  As always, Jeff put his heart and soul into the job and moved the Organization forward in many key areas through his can-do attitude and superior leadership.  On behalf of OPEDA, I want to thank Jeff for his hard work and many contributions to OPEDA.