Welcome Associate Director Jodi Buresh

Jodi Buresh

Director of Partnerships, Saffire

Jodi Buresh was born and raised in the fair industry in West Fargo, North Dakota. She first began participating in the 4H Horse program and showing registered appaloosa horses nationally and in Canada until she was 18.

In 1990, her father, Roger Arzt was the president of the Red River Valley Fair Association in West Fargo, ND.

She was ‘fired’ from her father’s plumbing company and was told she would be the livestock coordinator at the fair and would start on Monday. Little did she know, this would lead to a lifetime career with many different positions. Jodi stayed at the RRVF for 5 years before taking a 10 year hiatus while working at North Dakota State University. During this time, she became a member of the RRVF Board of directors and moved up to the Executive Committee. After hiring a new General Manager, they created a new position and she was offered the Assistant General Manager position in 2008 and assisted in bringing the RRVF back to a profitable venue.

Jodi implemented the first agricultural education exhibit at the Fair and generated over $50,000 in sponsorships by year two. This exhibit is still thriving today and has become one of the top visited attractions at the fair.

Jodi’s first Florida Federation of Fairs convention was in 2016. While a member of FFF, Jodi has given many presentations and has been involved in other aspects to ensure the success of the convention. Jodi is an active participant in the IAFE and has graduated from the Institute of Fair Management and received her Certificate of Fair Executive. Jodi also participated in the IAFE Speakers Bureau and shared her experiences across the country at many Association conventions.

In 2016, Jodi joined the Saffire Team and is Director of Partnerships. As part of Team Saffire she helps forge new relationships with folks in the event industry to help them find raging online success. She travels to fair conventions across the country, hosting educational sessions on digital marketing and boosting ticket sales.

Also in 2016, Jodi joined the board of directors at the Norman County Fair in Ada, Minnesota. Jodi’s role on this all volunteer board has been to create an agricultural education attraction. The success of this attraction has garnered the ability to take a small worn down building and expand and add onto it with donated funds. The community involvement has been growing ever since. Jodi wrote multiple grants and was able to secure additional funds that is given back to the community with food distribution and outreach. Enlisting the local FFA chapters and community college to assist with agricultural education has been growing each year.

Jodi’s entire family is involved in the fair industry. Her father is still active on the board of directors at the Red River Valley Fair, her sister, Lori, is also on the board of directors at the Red River Valley Fair. Her oldest son, Carson, is the Director of Partnerships at the Red River Valley Fair. Her youngest son, Connor, is employed with Saffire and serves as on-site support at events while attending college. Her niece, Michaela Liebl, is the General Manager of the Anoka County Fair, Minnesota. She met her husband, Bob, in 1992 when she hired him as a beer garden worker at the Red River Valley Fair, and they have been married for 28 years.

The Central Florida Fair is celebrating its 112th year as a 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit in Central Florida. CFF provides a venue for local Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Lake, Osceola and Brevard County youth to show livestock and participate in creative art projects through its educational programs and community events.

Join us from February 29th through March 10th 2004, and enjoy a midway featuring rides, games, food, live music and entertainment, animals, livestock exhibitions and competitive exhibits, and so much more. Come celebrate the community and make lifelong memories with your family and friends!

A Milk Toast to President Hal

Sponsored by the Florida Dairy Farmers

What is “Florida Dairy Farmers?”

Florida Dairy Farmers (FDF) is Florida’s milk promotion organization, representing the state’s dairy farmers who work every day to provide a steady supply of fresh milk. The farmer-funded organization works to enhance the industry’s image with a goal of increasing milk and dairy product sales statewide via consumer marketing and education. The Dairy Council of Florida is a division of FDF and serves Florida educators and health professionals.

How does the Dairy Council of Florida help health professionals?

Registered dietitians with the Dairy Council of Florida provide outreach to dietitians, doctors, nurses and other health professionals. The Council is considered a reliable resource that offers sound, research-based information to assure the benefits of dairy are portrayed accurately. Dairy Council dietitians routinely make presentations at seminars and meetings where they deliver information on breaking research while reiterating the importance of keeping dairy in the diets of their patients and clients.

How does the Dairy Council of Florida help schools?

The Dairy Council of Florida partners with schools throughout the state to create a culture of health and wellness for students, teachers and families. We provide a comprehensive approach to support healthy school environments through in-school programs, school meal expansion funding and health education materials.

How can the media use Florida Dairy Farmers as a resource?

Members of the media can contact Avery LeFils at 407-647-8899 to schedule interviews with Dairy Council of Florida dietitians, industry experts or a Florida dairy farmer. FDF can provide facts and figures about Florida’s dairy industry and assist reporters with industry-related research and other contacts.

How does Florida Dairy Farmers work with Florida retailers?

Florida’s grocery stores are the final stop before fresh Florida milk arrives in the homes of consumers. FDF has a department dedicated to working with retailers on various promotion programs that assist with the in-store visibility and enhanced access of dairy foods. Retail programs that are underway include having milk made available in other parts of the stores, such as at the deli and checkout lanes, and concepts including reinventing the dairy case.

How is FDF’s sports marketing program used to promote the industry and a healthy lifestyle?

From high schools to colleges to the pros, Floridians are fanatical about their sports. FDF is there every step of the way to capitalize on that enthusiasm, whether it’s utilizing positive NFL players as spokespersons, teaming with the national champion Gators or through its highly visible Florida Dairy Farmers High School Sports Awards program. Whether the goal is to reach students, retail shoppers or the media, FDF’s sports marketing lineup delivers.

Contact Us

Florida Dairy Farmers (FDF) is Florida’s milk promotion organization, representing more than 130 Florida dairy farmers who work every day to provide a steady supply of fresh milk. If you have questions about dairy products or dairy farms, feel free to drop us a line.

info@floridamilk.com