AMG CLIENTS
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Idaho Agriculture in the Classroom
Rick Waitley: State Director The Idaho Ag in the Classroom program was started in the mid 1980’s. Until July 2008, the program was contracted through the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. In July 2008, a Board of Directors was established to direct the program in Idaho. An annual meeting is held each December for the membership. AMG coordinates summer workshops and tours for Idaho teachers K-12. In addition, AMG coordinates in-service training for teachers, membership recruitment, curriculum development, and expansion of agriculture literacy in public and private classrooms across Idaho. The AITC Association provides support for FFA Ag Expos held in high schools to educate elementary children about agriculture. AITC coordinates Advocate for Agriculture activities through printed materials, events, and special activities. |
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Canyon County Farm Bureau
Roger Batt: Executive Secretary The Canyon County Farm Bureau is one of the largest membership clients for AMG. It boasts a total of 6,700 members with 1,458 farming, ranching and agricultural producing voting members. The Canyon County Farm Bureau represents Canyon County Agriculture and numerous policy and regulatory affairs issues. CCFB is actively involved in many community activities, such as working with County Commissioners to amend Canyon County's Open Burning Ordinance to improve the situation for agricultural producers. CCFB also hosts a pavilion of agricultural organizations - Ag Country- at the Canyon County Fair. |
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Food Producers of Idaho
Rick Waitley: Executive Director/Lobbyist Benjamin Kelly: Lobbyist Food Producers monitors not only Idaho legislative activities but also corresponds with the Idaho Congressional Delegation on issues important to Idaho. Food Producers maintains a scorecard for voting records of legislators and annually presents the Ag All Stars Award to legislators based upon their voting record. FPI sponsors the Idaho Ag Pavilion at the Western Idaho Fair and alternates between the Eastern Idaho State Fair and Twin Falls County Fair. FPI also sponsors the annual U of I Public Policy Tour for Ag Econ students the end of January. Food Producers meetings are held every Wednesday during the Legislative Session to address issues related to agriculture and natural resources. |
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Idaho Ag Summit
Rick Waitley: Executive Director The Ag Summit was established to bring together leaders inIdaho agriculture to address issues important to the industry. An annual two-day conference is held in February while the Idaho Legislature is in session. Two important activities occur during the Summit : The Legislative Strolling Supper and the presentation of the Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Agriculture. The Summit has a special emphasis on attracting young farmers and ranchers under the age of 40 to the Summit. On the second day of the Summit, the Idaho Agriculture Leadership Breakfast is held where young farmers and ranchers are recognized. |
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Idaho Alfalfa Clover Seed Commission
Rick Waitley: Administrator Alfalfa and clover seed are major commodities in Idaho and contributes significantly to Idaho's agriculture income. Growers are accessed a per-pound fee through dealers with funds being used for research, education and promotion. Alfalfa seed is grown primarily in Southwestern Idaho and some in the Magic Valley counties. The IACSC is involved with the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance on national issues. |
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Idaho Alfalfa Clover Seed Growers Association
Benjamin Kelly: Executive Director/Lobbyist Rick Waitley: Lobbyist IACSGA represents alfalfa and clover seed growers in southwestern and the Magic Valley areas of Idaho . This organization is tied with the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance (NAFA). Each year, the IACSGA holds an annual growers meeting and school for Idaho and eastern Oregon growers. Kelly and Waitley hold a lobbying contract for IACSGA. |
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Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts
Benjamin Kelly: Executive Director The Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts works as the unified voice for conservation districts in Idaho. IASCD was formed by district leaders in 1944 to represent Idaho’s conservation districts as the primary entities to coordinate voluntary, farmer led and a non-regulatory approach to conservation. Idaho has 50 conservation districts and they are the primary source to provide assistance to private landowners and land users in the conservation, sustainability and enhancement of Idaho’s natural resources. |
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Idaho Cooperative Council
Rick Waitley: Executive Director/Lobbyist Benjamin Kelly: Lobbyist ICC represents local and regional agriculture cooperatives in Idaho. ICC joins with OR, WA and MT in sponsoring the annual NW Cooperative Educational Seminar and Annual Meeting each November. ICC hosts the Cenarrusa Day on the Hill luncheon during the Idaho Legislature to provide FFA members throughout Idaho the opportunity to interact with Idaho Legislators and government leaders. ICC holds membership with the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) and the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) on behalf of agriculture cooperatives in Idaho. ICC is dedicated to education, legislation, and industry relations on behalf of cooperatives in Idaho. |
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Idaho Eastern Oregon Seed Association
Roger Batt: Executive Director/Lobbyist The Idaho Eastern Oregon Seed Association was founded in 1944 to develop friendly business relations amongst its members and to promote the legitimate interest of the seed trade within the region. IEOSA represents Idaho and Eastern Oregon Seed Companies and over 100 affiliate members within the seed trade. It cooperates with the American Seed Trade Association and Pacific Seed Association, educational and regulatory authorities, and other interested agencies in the development of a sound and effective seed program and industry in the interests of Agriculture. |
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Idaho Heartland Coalition
Roger Batt: Executive Director The Idaho Heartland Coalition was established to work on regulatory reform issues at the state and federal level. IHC has spearheaded legislation on Negotiated Rulemaking procedures to enhance the process for industry at the state level and will be working on federal issues as they pertain to endangered species, clean water, and clean air. IHC’s mission is to protect farmers, ranchers, and other natural resource users from unnecessary regulatory burdens and to preserve the heritage of Agriculture which has forged our population for many generations. |
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Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Idaho (Big "I")
Kyra Gibson: Executive Director The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Idaho (IIABI) or Big "I" is an alliance of small business owners and their employees who sell all types of insurance. Member agencies throughout the state represent more than one insurance company, thereby offering clients "freedom of choice" - freedom to choose coverages and companies for their auto, home, life, health, and commercial needs. In addition to the over 800 agency owners, producers and employees of our regular agency membership, the IIABI enjoys the support of Associate members, major insurance companies and suppliers of the American Agency System. A member-driven organization, the IIABI is led by an elected Board of Directors and active Committees adhering to the purposes set forth in the Articles of Incorporation. IIABI is the Idaho arm of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA). |
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Idaho Oilseed Commission
Benjamin Kelly: Administrator The IOC represents canola, rapeseed and mustard seed growers in Idaho. Growers are assessed a per-pound fee through dealers with funds being used for research, education and promotion. The products from these commodities are used in oils, fuels and by-products for weed control efforts. Northern Idaho is the major growing area for these commodities; however, there are also growers in Southeastern Idaho. |
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Idaho Wine
Roger Batt: Legislative Educator Idaho is home to a fast growing wine industry and award winning wines. Idaho wine regions nurture the grapes with a moderate climate, limited precipitations and a consistent growing season that adds complexity to the grapes. Southwestern Idaho currently has the highest density of vineyards and wineries in the state. Idaho is known for growing and producing varieties such as Syrah, Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling. The Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission was founded in 1984 to encourage the expansion and maturity for the Idaho wine industry. |
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Idaho Hay and Forage Association
Rick Waitley: Executive Director/Lobbyist Benjamin Kelly: Lobbyist Idaho raises a great deal of hay and forage to meet the ever-growing dairy and cattle industries. IHFA is a membership organization with an annual meeting held in February or March, usually in the Magic Valley due to the location of the largest population of growers. The IHFA annually publishes a Member Directory that also features associate members and services and products available to hay and forage producers. |
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Idaho Honey Industry Association
Rick Waitley: Executive Director/Lobbyist Benjamin Kelly: Lobbyist The Idaho Honey Industry Association represents honey producers and hobby beekeepers throughout Idaho. AMG serves as Executive Director for the association and assists with their annual statewide meeting held in December, newsletters, lobbying, and association operations. AMG represents the industry members at Food Producers of Idaho weekly legislative meetings during the legislature. |
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Idaho Mint Commission
Roger Batt: Administrator Idaho ranks 3rd in mint production in the United States. The Idaho Mint Commission was created under the Mint Industry Act of 1986 to improve mint varieties, research, control measures for diseases and pests and marketing of mint and essential mint oils. Growers are assessed a per-pound fee through oil buyers and these funds are utilized to conduct research, education and promotion of the Industry. |
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Idaho Mint Growers Association
Roger Batt: Executive Director/Lobbyist The Idaho Mint Growers Association promotes the social and business contacts between its members to create mutual understanding, respect and confidence in order to promote and encourage the mint industry of the state of Idaho. It also promotes the progress and development of the mint industry, disseminates useful knowledge and information amongst is members and encourages agricultural studies and research on mint in schools and colleges as well as among others that have an interest in the Industry. The works on legislative matters pertaining to state and national legislation. |
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Idaho Onion Growers Association
Rick Waitley: Executive Director/Lobbyist Benjamin Kelly: Executive Assistant/Lobbyist Idaho Onion Growers’ Association was formed in 1955 to represent the needs of onion producers in Southwestern Idaho. Idaho ranks 5th in the nation for onion product and provides approximately 11% of the onion needs in the US. The volcanic soil, availability of water and seasonal temperatures make it ideal for growing quality onions. The IOGA holds an annual convention with Malhuer County Onion Growers in Ontario, Oregon on the second Tuesday of February. Many of the onions grown in Idaho are now grown under drip irrigation systems. Idaho harvests around 8,000 acres of onions annually. |
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Idaho-Oregon Seed Pesticide Council
Roger Batt: Chairman Idaho’s Seed Industry is valued around $250 million. The Idaho Seed Pesticide Council was founded in 2008 to give the Idaho Seed Industry an entity to pursue pesticide labels for Idaho Seed Crops. Since its inception, the ISPC has obtained more than 8 specialty and emergency labels to control diseases and pests in Idaho seed crops and has made available more tools in growers toolboxes for Integrated Pest Management. |
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Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign
Roger Batt: Statewide Coordinator The Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign emerged in 2001 through the state Strategic Plan for Managing Noxious and Invasive Plants. The Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign has created public awareness and outreach to over one million Idaho citizens and 600,000 citizens in Idaho’s six bordering states about the severe impacts of noxious and invasive plants to Idaho’s lands, waters, agriculture and natural resources through media outreach, classroom curriculum, partnerships and agreements and production videos. An extensive virtual interactive website was created over three years (www.idahoweedawareness.com) to provide over 100 hours of education to any viewer interested in learning about invasive plants. |
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Idaho Weed Control Association
Rick Waitley: Executive Director/Lobbyist Benjamin Kelly: Lobbyist The IWCA represents county weed control personnel, Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMAs), local, county, state and federal agencies involved in weed control. IWCA annually sponsors the Idaho Weed Conference drawing together over 300 individuals for a two-day educational seminar on vegetation management issues. Waitley also lobbies for IWCA. |
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Idaho Weed Coordinating Committee
Rick Waitley: Facilitator The IWCC was established as a result of the Idaho Strategic Plan for managing noxious weeds in Idaho. The IWCC is composed or federal and state agencies and weed organizations that have an interest in vegetation management issues in Idaho. The IWCC oversees the Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign (IWAC) which is also housed at AMG under the leadership of Roger Batt. |
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Leadership Idaho Agriculture
Rick Waitley: Executive Director and Program Coordinator Kendra Dustin: Fund Development Director Established in 1986, over 800 individuals have graduated from this intense leadership development course. Thirty participants are allowed each year in a four-month, four-location training seminar that concentrates on personal development, agriculture awareness, and leadership. Waitley Associates coordinates all four sessions in Moscow, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls,and Boise. An Alumni Session is incorporated in the Boise Session during which LIA graduates assemble to interact with the current class of participants to hear updates on issues important to Idaho communities. LIA publishes an Alumni Directory each year to provide alumni members current contact information for program graduates. In 1993, a Foundation was established to further the work of LIA in Idaho. Waitley Associates works directly with the Foundation to carry out the LIA programs and objectives. During the Alumni Session, a fundraising auction is held with proceeds going to the Foundation to provide scholarship assistance for LIA participants and for Foundation operations. |
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Liberty Ministries
Rick Waitley: Executive Director Liberty, a Southern Gospel Quartet, was founded in 1995, and has traveled extensively throughout the West singing Southern Gospel music in a number of different venues. The group has a wide variety of CDs and DVDs. AMG handles bookings, merchandise, and special events for Liberty Ministries. Events featuring Liberty include special appearances, cruises, concerts, and Northwest GospelFest, their annual fall event. |
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National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
Kyra Gibson: Executive Director NAIFA Idaho is a non-profit association representing nearly 300 licensed life, health, and property/casualty insurance agents through its seven member local associations located throughout the state. NAIFA Idaho is a state chapter of NAIFA. The Association’s mission is to advocate for a positive legislative and regulatory environment, enhance business and professional skills, and promote the ethical conduct of its members. |
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Nezperce Prairie Grass Growers Association
Benjamin Kelly: Executive Director/Lobbyist Rick Waitley: Lobbyist Idaho grows 70% of the world's bluegrass seed. NPGGA represents approximately 100 growers in a five-county area ofNorth-central Idaho. Kelly Associates lobbies and coordinates activities for the growers represented by NPGGA. |
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Pacific Seed Association
Roger Batt: Executive Director The Pacific Seed Association is a regionally-based seed industry organization who represents all aspects of the seed trade and production throughout thirteen states, two Canadian provinces and Mexico. PSA works on Government Affairs issues for the industry, assists State Seed Organizations with state or regional issues, and serves as a partner and liaison to the American Seed Trade Association. PSA also has established a Media Outreach Program to educate populations on the importance of the Seed Industry and where our food comes from. |
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Treasure Valley Water Users Association
Roger Batt: Executive Director The Treasure Valley Water Users Association was formed to provide a collaborative effort to deal with the threats posed to the Treasure Valley Water User Community. Its members operate a well-managed irrigation delivery system containing approximately 1,500 miles of canals and laterals that provide crucial irrigation water to farms, ranches, sub-divisions, cities, parks, golf courses, schools, businesses, and other sources within the Boise River Basin. |
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Trinity Pines Camp and Conference Center
Rick Waitley: Executive Camp Director Kyra Gibson: Marketing Director The Intermountain District Church of the Nazarene owns Trinity Pines Camp and Conference Center in Cascade, Idaho. The year-round camping facility is home to nearly 1,500 children and teens who attend one of the seven summer camps held each summer. In addition, AMG coordinates a District Sr. Adult Retreat and District Men’s Retreat each year. AMG handles promotion, policy, budgets, personnel, fundraising, recruitment, facility development, and program operations for the camping program. |
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Treasure Valley Agriculture Tour
Roger Batt: Coordinator The Nampa/Caldwell Chambers of Commerce Agri-Business Committee meets on a regular basis to conduct a yearly agricultural Tour to teach decision-makers and media personnel about the importance of Agriculture. Each year, the Tour hosts a different theme and target audience. In 2009, the theme was the diversity and economic importance of Treasure Valley Agriculture and the target audience was local government elected officials. |
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United Onions USA, Inc.
Rick Waitley and Benjamin Kelly: Managers This cooperative was formed in October 2009 and is made up of onion growers and onion grower/shippers located in southwestern Idaho and eastern Oregon. AMG serves as manager of the cooperative, handling membership, financial reporting, acreage reports for industry estimates, and board and membership meetings. The cooperative is structured to expand and include additional onion growing areas, if requested in the Pacific NW. |
AMG also houses the office for:
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The Farmstead Corn Maze & Pumpkin Festival (HOUSED IN AMG OFFICE)
Jim & Hillary Lowe: Owners Kyra Gibson: Community Relations Director & HR Manager Nic Gibson: Graphic & Web Design The origins of The Farmstead first hit the Treasure Valley in 1997. Idahoans responded in droves to this grass-roots and creative source of entertainment. In 2009, the event was re-branded as The Farmstead Corn Maze and Pumpkin Festival. The name has come to more fully represent all of the traditions the Lowe family shares from their family to yours. For Jim and Hillary Lowe, The Farmstead is a passion. It is a whole year of work and planning for the exhilaration of a season-long whirlwind of fun. |