November 11-16, 2024
National Grange President
Welcome to the 158th annual convention of the National Grange!
The 158th – what a testament to our legacy, our mission, our resilience, and our adaptability! For 158 years, we’ve been champions of rural America, advocates for our communities, and steadfast in our mission to make a difference.
This year’s convention is packed with energy, excitement, and opportunity! There’s something for everyone, from inspiring speakers to innovative workshops, and, of course, plenty of time to connect and share with fellow Grangers. This is your chance to recharge, reconnect, and reignite the passion that makes our Grange family so extraordinary. Together, we’ll celebrate our past, embrace the present, and chart a bold course for the future of the National Grange. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and spirit!
Thanks to the Midwest Region (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin) for your excellent collaboration, positivity, energy, and hard work to create a memorable experience – an experience loaded with opportunities to learn and to grow and to have fun!
More than ever, the world and our country need more individuals who carry our uncompromised Grange values of civility, service, and faith in their hearts, their words, and their actions. The Grange has always been more than just another organization; it is a family, a network of support, and a beacon of hope for many. Your continued commitment and dedication to the Grange and our communities do not go unnoticed and are very much appreciated and necessary.
Thank you for being part of this convention. Your attendance and participation is an indication of the enduring spirit and vitality of the National Grange. It also means you have resolved to be part of the groundswell that will take the Grange onward and upward for the next generations to expand and enjoy. Together, let us celebrate our accomplishments, renew our commitments, and pave the way for the future success of the Grange.
Thank you for being Grange Strong!
With Grange pride,
Christine E. Hamp, President
Welcome to Bettendorf
To: Attendees of the 158th Annual National Grange Convention
On behalf of the city of Bettendorf, it is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to Bettendorf for the 158th Annual National Grange Convention, November 11 - 16, 2024, at the Isle Casino Hotel and Convention Center. The city of Bettendorf is proud to be one of the Quad Cities’ cool, creative, connected and prosperous communities, and to be a partner of Visit Quad Cities! We are honored to have you as our guests, and we are pleased that you have brought the excitement of agricultural awareness to our city!
While you are staying in Bettendorf, we invite you to enjoy the many amenities that our premier city and the surrounding cities have to offer. From restaurants, shopping, gaming, and parks to historical and cultural attractions, I am certain the Quad Cities will have something for everyone.
Be sure to take note of the new I-74 River Bridge that connects our Iowa and Illinois communities. It is absolutely stunning, most especially in the evening when it is lit up for all to see.
Again, welcome to our city! Thank you for choosing Bettendorf. We hope you enjoy your stay.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Mayor Robert S. Gallagher
Welcome to the Quad Cities
Welcome to the Quad Cities!
On behalf of Visit Quad Cities and the entire Quad Cities region, I am thrilled to welcome you to the 158th National Grange Convention at the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf. We are proud to host this special gathering of Grange members from across the country in our vibrant and welcoming region.
As you experience the Quad Cities, we invite you to discover our rich history, diverse cultural offerings, and beautiful riverfront along the mighty Mississippi River. From the historic Rock Island Arsenal to the creative energy of the Figge Art Museum and our diverse culinary scene, the Quad Cities has something for everyone. We encourage you to explore all the opportunities our community offers during your stay.
We are honored to play a part in this important annual convention, celebrating the Grange’s longstanding commitment to agriculture, community, and civic leadership. Thank you for being here, and we wish you a productive and memorable convention experience.
Sincerely,
Dave Herrell President and CEO
Visit Quad Cities
Visit the Grange Supply Store for some deals and steals ! Offering some deep discounts on a wide range of supplies for your Grange meetings, awards, jewelry, and more!
Products include:
• Grange Socks
• “Lift Up Your Hands” songbook
• Dues Envelopes
• Annual Membership Card Book
• Grange Belt Buckles
• Grange Dues Receipt Book
• Junior Grange Manuals
• Guidelines for Grange Leaders
• Grange 10-inch Decal
• Jewelry including :
» 4 th Degree Pins
» Junior Grange enamel pins
» Years of service pins from 5-80 years
» Golden Sheaf pins
» Past Master pins & buttons
» Sash / Lapel pins
» 7 th Degree pins
• and more!
Can’t find what you’re looking for in the on-site store? Check in with Loretta Washington or make your orders online at grangestore.org . Items ordered during session will ship after Thanksgiving.
Items are priced to move - you won’t find a better discount!
Follow us on Social Media
National Grange
@nationalgrangeofficial
@national_grange_youth | @national_junior_grange
@nationalgrange
National Grange
Share your National Grange experiences and follow along so you don’t miss a thing!
Throughout the week of the convention, be sure to take to social media to share your experiences. From photos to video clips to behind-the-scenes information, we want to see it! Use the hashtag #ng158 s o we can easily find (and share) your posts. You may see your own photos or videos in the Grange Today! newsletter, Good Day! TM magazine, or promotional materials for future National Grange events.
The National Grange Communication Fellows, SHIPmates, Youth Team, staff members, and other guests will be running the National Grange social media channels during the week, so please tune in so you don’t miss a second of the events around the convention. From banquets to workshops and special events, there’s plenty to see and experience.
Livestreams of several events will also be shared across social media platforms during and after the convention, so be sure to tell your Grange (and non-Grange) friends and family back home that they can be a part of the action as well. Follow along and share the excitement!
What You Need to Know
Registration Desk (Business Center)
Staffed by volunteers on the host committee, this is the first place to go for all convention information. Stop by this desk to pick up all registration packets. For registration issues, please see the National Office.
Monday: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – noon
Convention Name Badges
To participate in convention events, including workshops, exhibits, session, Grange Recognition Night, and the hospitality room, all convention attendees must wear a convention name badge. In addition, all meals require tickets for entry, which are located behind your nametag.
National Grange Office (Blackhawk)
This is the location of the member services and concierge services for delegates and national officers. Please see Jody or Jodi Ann Cameron, National Grange Convention Liaisons, for all issues related to meeting room scheduling, audio/visual needs, or hotel catering arrangements. For room reservation issues, please see the front desk.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – noon
Front Desk of Hotel
Please direct all of your questions and concerns related to your sleeping rooms to the front desk.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
>
Hospitality Room (St. Croix - in the hotel)
It is free to witness the Seventh Degree for any Seventh Degree member. > >
Your convention host region provides refreshments daily. Join us in the Hospitality Room for relaxing, snacking and spending time with your fellow Grangers.
Monday: 2:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday : 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – noon & 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Region Host Office (Isle)
Your Host Committee office serves as the member service desk and concierge service for all conventiongoers. Book a return ride to the airport, view local restaurant menus and area maps, arrange for special transportation, and more!
Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Seventh Degree
Take or witness the Seventh Degree on Saturday, Nov. 16th. The cost to take the Seventh Degree is $30.
*Applications available all week at registration desk for both the Sixth and Seventh Degrees.
Event Rooms
Registration Business Center
National Grange Office Blackhawk
Host Region Office Isle
Session Meeting Quad Cities
Showcase Iowa
Hospitality Room St. Croix (hotel)
Communications Office (Fellows) LeClaire
SHIPmates Office Bettendorf
Youth & Junior Activities
Grand Ballroom Salon C
National Grange Recognition Night Quad Cities
Sixth Degree Quad Cities
Seventh Degree Quad Cities
Meals Grand Ballroom (hotel)
Committee Meetings Illinois
Showcase (Iowa)
The Showcase is the place to see the best programs of the states, see winning contest entries, learn about the National Grange’s departments, and so much more. You can also learn about the many programs the National Grange has worked on this past year, including partnerships with USAging , PCORI , the United States Patent & Trademark Office, Quilts of Valor, the FCC , and others. You can also support the GROW Club by bidding on raffle items and much more here. A full list of Showcase participants can be found on page 26.
This year, the “Oldies but Goodies” stand features many special artifacts uncovered from the National Grange Headquarters during our move - stop in to take a look and own a unique piece of Grange history!
Tuesday: 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – noon
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Worskhops will be held in these rooms
Meals will be held here
Hospitality Room in St. Croix
Connector Crew
The Connector Crew is comprised of Grange members charged with ensuring that each and every registrant feels connected and that their attendance gets off to a great start. You will find the Connector Crew folks, apparent by their bright blue vests, in the convention registration area and the hospitality room.
Meet the Connector Crew, make some new friends, and enjoy every bit of this year’s Convention!
Agriculture
Kevin Cooksley, NE - Chair
Lynette Schaeffer, IL - Sec.
Melanie Bostwick, KS
Wayne Campbell, PA
Mike Griffin, ME
Melvin Phelps, NY
Allen Stiles, MD
Audit & Budget
John Benedik, NJ - Chair
Joyce Billquist, MT - Sec.
Dwight Baldwin, IA
Duane Hamp, WA
Susan Hanks, CA
Chip Narvel, DE
Buddy Overstreet, TX
Judy Sherrod, TN
Sarah Strawder, KS
Citizenship
Christopher Johnston, MI - Chair
Corey Spence, MA - Sec.
Robert Buck, CT
Crystal Allen, NC
Harry Greer, CO
Sherry Harriman, ME
Mike Russell, OH
Martha Stefenoni, CA
Debbie Vine, WI
Gary Wardle, CO
Conservation
Barbara Foster, WV - Chair
Kay Stiles, MD - Sec.
Matt Espenshade, PA
Tom Gwin, WA
Sonny Hays-Eberts, OR
Richard Javaux, ID
Don Schaeffer, IL
Stephen Seuberth, DE
Billy Shufeldt, OK
Education & Health
Mark Gibbons, DC - Chair
Debbie Campbell, PA - Sec.
Ann Bercher, MN
Christopher Dean, MA
Danielle Hartley, RI
Eileen Javaux, ID
Barb Narvel, DE
Debbie Russell, OH
Anna Seuberth, DE
Tricia Taylor, NH
Grange Growth
Richard Stonebraker, MD - Chair
Joe Stefenoni, CA - Sec.
Kathy Baldwin, IA
Marty Billquist, MT
Donna Keeton, OK
Karen Overstreet, TX
Pete Pompper, NJ
Jay Sexton, OR
Jason Smith, IN
Grange Law
Walter Hartley, RI - Chair
Cindy Greer, CO - Sec.
Roger Bostwick, KS
Kathy Gibson, MA
Joe Goodrich, VT
Sandra Green, NY
Susan Noah, OR
Nathan Strawder, KS
Kathy Wardle, CO
Leroy Watson, NH
Labor, Judiciary, & Transportation
David Allen, NC - Chair
Mark Noah, OR - Sec.
Glenn Gibson, MA
Kendal Holden, VT
Connie Johnston, MI
Brittney Pittman, WA
Ted Powell, CT
James Taylor, VA
Cheryl Watson, NH
n ational G ran G e S taff
President Christine E. Hamp
Legislative Director and Executive Director, Grange Advocacy Burton Eller
Communications Director Philip J Vonada
Membership and Leadership Development Director and Grange Foundation Associate Amanda Brozana
IT Director Stephanie Wilkins
Sales, Benefits, Programs and Membership Recognition Director Loretta Washington
Convention Liaisons
Jody Cameron & Jodi Ann Cameron
NATIONAL GRANGE STAFF
CONVENTION SCHEDULE
C onvention S C hedule
Grange Youth Programming listed in green Junior Grange Programming listed in red.
monday, november 11
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. National Grange Office Blackhawk
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Executive Committee Meeting Riviera
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Showcase Setup
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Iowa/Concourse
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Delegate Registration Blackhawk
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Region Host Office Isle
2:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Hospitality Room St. Croix (Hotel)
Workshops ongoing throughout the day
11:30 a.m. Host Banquet Marina aboard the Celebration Belle be at the Marina by 11:15 a.m.
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Registration Open Business Center
2:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Delegate & Officers Meeting, Quad Cities and Grange Foundation Meeting for all Officers & Delegates
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Welcome Reception Concourse
7:30 p.m. (as needed) Committee meetings Illinois
7:30 p.m. National Officers Rehearsal Quad Cities
tueSday, november 12
8:00 a.m. – 7 :00 p.m. Region Host Office Isle
7:30 a.m – 9:00 p.m. Hospitality Room
St. Croix (Hotel)
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. National Grange Office Blackhawk
8:00 a.m. (as needed) Committee Meetings Illinois
9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Registration Open Business Center
Workshops ongoing throughout the day
9:00 a.m. Delegate Group Photo & Headshots
9:30 a.m. Tour - Lagomarcino’s Confectionery
Gather at North Tower entrance/reception at 9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. Opening of the 158th Annual Convention Quad Cities in the Seventh Degree (Seventh Degree members wishing to witness the opening should be in Quad Cities by 9:45 a.m.)
~10:30 a.m. Admission of Fourth Degree Members Presentation of Host Region Flags
11:00 p.m. President’s Address, Christine E. Hamp (session at ease)
Reconvene Session in Fourth Degree President’s Internal Report
noon Session Recesses
12:15 p.m. Advocacy Luncheon
Grand Ballroom Speaker: Phil Lehmkuhler, NTIA
12:30 p.m. Tour - Rock Island Arsenal
Gather at North Tower entrance/reception at 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. Showcase & Grange Store open Iowa
2:00 p.m. Session Reconvenes Quad Cities
5:30 p.m. Session Closes
7:30 (as needed) Committee Meetings Illinois
7:30 p.m. National Officers Rehearsal Quad Cities
8:00 p.m. National Grange Story Slam Monte Carlo hosted by the Communication Fellows
W edne S day , n ovember 13
7:30 a.m – 9:00 p.m. Hospitality Room St. Croix (Hotel)
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. National Grange Office Blackhawk
8:00 a.m. – 7 :00 p.m. Region Host Office Isle
8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Registration Open Business Center
8:30 a.m. Session Opens Quad Cities
9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Showcase & Grange Store open Iowa
Workshops ongoing throughout the day
9:00 a.m. Tour - Quilt Shop Hop Gather at North Tower entrance/reception at 8:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m. Tour - Figge Art Museum (Team Building) Gather at North Tower entrance/reception at 9:00 a.m.
noon Session Recesses
12:15 - 1:30 p.m. Salute to Agriculture Luncheon
Grand Ballroom Speaker: Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
2:00 p.m. Session Reconvenes
5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Youth Check-in & Orientation
Grand Ballroom Salon C
5:30 p.m. Session Recesses
6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Youth Officer Practice Quad Cities
7:30 p.m. Session Reconvenes Quad Cities Roll Call of States Quilts of Valor presentation Celebration of Remembrance Grange Hall of Fame presentation
9:30 p.m. Session Closes
9:30 p.m. Youth Hang Out
Grand Ballroom Salon C
9 :30 p.m. (as needed) Committee Meetings Illinois
thurSday, november 14
7:30 a.m – 5:00 p.m. Hospitality Room St. Croix (Hotel)
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. National Grange Office Blackhawk
8:00 a.m. – 7 :00 p.m. Region Host Office Isle
8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Registration Open Business Center
8:30 a.m. Session Opens
Quad Cities Election of Officers
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Showcase & Grange Store open Iowa
Workshops ongoing throughout the day
9:30 a.m. Youth Tour - John Deere Davenport Works
Gather at North Tower entrance/reception at 9:00 a.m.
noon Session Recesses
12:15 – 1:30 p.m. Buffet Lunch
Grand Ballroom
12:30 p.m. Tour - John Deere Davenport Works
Gather at North Tower entrance/reception at 12:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m. Tour - John Deere Pavilion
Gather at North Tower entrance/reception at 1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. Session Reconvenes
Quad Cities
2:30 p.m. Tour - Davenport Distillery
Gather at North Tower entrance/reception at 2:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. Session Closes
5:00 p.m. Assembly of Demeter Business Meeting
Quad Cities
6:00 p.m. Youth Officers Practice
Quad Cities
7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Youth Party / Gathering
Grand Ballroom Salon C open to all
9:30 - 11:00 p.m. Youth Hang Out
Grand Ballroom Salon C
friday, november 15
7:30 a.m – 5:00 p.m. Hospitality Room St. Croix (Hotel)
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. National Grange Office Blackhawk
8:00 a.m. – 7 :00 p.m. Region Host Office Isle
8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Registration Open Business Center
8:30 a.m. Session Opens / Youth Opening Quad Cities Juniors attend Youth & Junior Department Reports
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Showcase & Grange Store open Iowa
9:30 a.m. Tour - Cinnamon Ridge Farms Gather at North Tower entrance/reception at 9:00 a.m. noon Session Recesses
12:15 – 1:30 p.m. Past Voting Delegates Lunch Grand Ballroom
12:30 p.m. Junior Tour - Putnam Museum Gather at North Tower entrance/reception at 12:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. Session Reconvenes Quad Cities
2 :00 - 4:00 p.m. Sign-a-Song & Public Speaking Judging Riviera open to the public
3:00 p.m. Installation of Officers Quad Cities
5:00 p.m. Session Closes
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. G.R.O.W. Club Social & Meeting Grand Ballroom Salon B
7:30 - 9:30 p.m. National Grange Recognition Night Quad Cities
9:30 p.m. Ice Cream Social Quad Cities Concourse
Saturday, november 16
7:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m. Hospitality Room
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. St. Croix (Hotel)
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. National Grange Office Blackhawk
8:00 a.m. – 5 :00 p.m. Region Host Office 9:30 - 10:00 p.m. Isle
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Registration Open Business Center
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Showcase & Grange Store Iowa
8:00 a.m Grange Foundation Board Meeting
Outside St. Croix Board members only
10:00 a.m. Sixth Degree Conferral Quad Cities (Candidates should arrive at least 10 minutes early)
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Junior Activities Day Rio de Janeiro
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Seventh Degree Conferral Quad Cities (Candidates should arrive at least 10 minutes early)
3:15 - 4:00 p.m. Convocation of the Assembly of Demeter Quad Cities
6:00 p.m. Grange Strong Celebration Banquet Grand Ballroom & Foundation Auction (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
7:45 - 9:00 p.m. Grange Trivia Contest Grand Ballroom
Have a safe trip home, and we will see you next year!
Many Thanks to the State Granges of the Midwest Region for Hosting!
Iowa Illinois Indiana Michigan Minnesota Ohio Wisconsin
We encourage you to attend many of our more than 60 individual workshops on a wide variety of topics, designed for Grangers of all ages to gain skills and knowledge to take home. Workshops range from Grange-related skills (like parliamentary procedure or ideas for Grange Secretaries) to hands-on (Board & Brush, cookie decorating, river rock painting), to educational (Wreaths Across America, Honor Flights, etc.), and everything in between. A few workshops require pre-registration, but the vast majority are free for all attendees.
To view the most up-to-date schedule, please visit https://grange.biz/158workshops or scan the QR code. Daily schedules will also be posted at the Registration Desk, in the Hospitality Room, and in other locations around our Convention.
Workshops are held in the Rio de Janeiro , Monte Carlo , and Riviera rooms, just off the concourse between the Convention Center and the North Tower.
Dave Herrell
President & CEO, Visit Quad Cities
Dave Herrell has served as the President and CEO of Visit Quad Cities since 2018, leading the vision, strategy, and operations of the region’s official destination organization. With over 20 years of experience in destination marketing, business development, and nonprofit management, Herrell has overseen record-breaking visitor expenditures of $1.3 billion. His background spans roles in tourism, sports, and entertainment, including leadership positions with the City of Jacksonville, the Nashville Sports Council, and the Music City Bowl. Herrell remains active in numerous regional and national tourism boards and initiatives.
Robert Gallagher Mayor of Bettendorf, Iowa
Mayor Robert “Bob” S. Gallagher was raised in Bettendorf. He graduated from Bettendorf High School in 1987. He received his B.A. in Communication Studies and Psychology from the University of Iowa in 1991. He received his Juris Doctorate Degree from Marquette Law School in 1994. In 1996, Bob returned to Bettendorf to practice law with Gallagher, Millage and Gallagher, PLC and raise his family. Bob and his wife, Jennifer, have a total of five children.
Bob has served the City of Bettendorf and the Quad Cities Community for more than 20 years. In 2004, Bob was named Volunteer of the Year by the Bettendorf Chamber of Commerce. In 2008, he received the Sheldon Sitrick Leadership Award for extraordinary leadership and distinguished service to the Quad Cities. That same year, he was named a Quad Cities Area Leader Under 40. In 2013, Bob was inducted into the Bettendorf High School Hall of Honor.
Bob is a past Co-Chair of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative and is currently serving as Chair of the Scott County Emergency Management Agency and Chair of the Waste Commission of Scott County. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Scott Emergency Communications Center, Bi-State Regional Commission as well as the Bi-State Regional Commission’s Transportation Policy Committee, Eastern Iowa
CONVENTION GUESTS
Community College Foundation, the Joint Contract Sewerage Committee, and Quad Cities Chamber’s Regional Opportunities Council.
Bob has served as the Mayor of the City of Bettendorf since 2012. During his tenure, the City has experienced incredible growth in both residential and commercial sectors, while continuing to provide excellent city services in a financially sound manner – all things you’ll hear about more today. Bob is dedicated to helping Bettendorf reach its full potential.
Philip Lehmkuhler
Midwest Regional Director
U.S. Department of Commerce, NTIA
Philip Lehmkuhler joined the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as the Midwest Regional Director in NTIA’s Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth. NTIA’s mission is to support broadband expansion and adoption nationwide. Phil leads a team of federal program officers that support Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia in implementing the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program to support closing the digital divide across the region. Phil guides numerous outreach and collaboration efforts in the region to engage stakeholders and state broadband offices to maximize the historic broadband infrastructure investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Prior to joining NTIA, Phil was Vice President of Investor Finance for Solential Energy Solutions, LLC where he created and financed solar energy solutions for municipal governments. Phil is also the founder of Mid-America Management and Consulting, LLC and served as a consultant for community and business development projects in Indiana and Texas. In 2009, Phil served as Indiana State Director of USDA Rural Development where he was responsible for a variety of programs which invested more than $6.5 billion in rural Indiana. Before joining USDA Rural Development, Phil served as Manager of Economic Development and Members Services of the Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA).
Phil earned his Master in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Louisville and his Bachelor’s degree with majors in Public Finance, Public Policy, and Organizational Management from Indiana University Bloomington. He received certification in Leadership Decision Making from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government in 2015. He also has received certification in economic development from the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma in 2007.
Tom Vilsack
United States Secretary of Agriculture
Thomas J. Vilsack was confirmed as the 32nd United States Secretary of Agriculture on Feb. 23, 2021 by the U.S. Senate. He was nominated by President Joe Biden to return to a role where he served for eight years under President Barack Obama.
Under Secretary Vilsack’s leadership, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is Investing in America by restoring the American economy, strengthening rural and historically underserved communities, responding to threats of climate change, creating good-paying jobs for American workers and the next generation of agricultural leaders, and investing in our kids and our families.
Secretary Vilsack is spearheading a transformation of the food system by creating more, better, and fairer markets and ensuring that the food system of today and the future is more resilient and more competitive globally. It will also offer consumers affordable, nutritious food grown closer to home.
From excessive drought to more extreme fires, our producers, farmers and ranchers are on the frontlines confronting the challenges associated with climate change. USDA is engaging the agriculture and forestry sectors in voluntary, incentive-based climate solutions to improve the resiliency of producers and to build wealth that stays in rural communities. Additionally, USDA is advancing investments in science and research to offer producers a toolbox to adapt to and mitigate climate change.
Secretary Vilsack continues to take bold, historic action to reduce barriers to access for historically underserved communities. By working to ensure all aspects of civil rights and equity are integrated, USDA is rooting out generations of systemic racism and building systems and programs inclusive of all USDA employees and customers.
Secretary Vilsack is also focused on ensuring Americans have consistent access to safe, healthy, and affordable food. USDA is investing in bold solutions that enhance food safety, improve the various far-reaching and powerful nutrition programs in the Department, and reduce food and nutrition insecurity in America.
Halei Heinzel
77th Alice in Dairyland
As Wisconsin’s 77th agriculture ambassador, Halei Heinzel’s goal is to educate audiences about the importance of Wisconsin’s diverse agriculture industry, how it impacts our daily lives, and the $104.8 billion economic impact it has on the state’s economy.
Heinzel is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin (UW) – Madison, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences Communication. Heinzel was active in her high school’s FFA chapter. Before starting at UW-Madison, Heinzel graduated from the Farm and Industry Short Course program with certificates in Agribusiness Management and Dairy Farm Management. Growing up in urban Oconomowoc, Heinzel felt disconnected from her food and the farmers who produced it. When she joined FFA, Heinzel got her first taste of Wisconsin agriculture, quite literally, when she milked a cow for the first time. Six years later, she has continued to seize opportunities to learn more about Wisconsin’s agriculture industry. While at UW-Madison, she was involved with student organizations such as Babcock House and Wisconsin Agriculture and Life Sciences Alumni Association, held internships with the Farm and Industry Short Course and Professional Dairy Producers, and worked with the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board.
IN THE SHOWCASE
v i S it the S ho WC a S e
Please support the following vendors, guests, partners, and departments in the Showcase - located in the Concourse and the Iowa room:
• 159th Annual National Grange Convention
• American Income Life
• America’s 250th Birthday (Semiquincentennial)
• Best of the Region
• Dictionary Program
• Distinguished Granges
• Eli Lilly
• Federal Communications Commission
• Grange Advocacy
• Grange in Action
• Grange Foundation
• Grange Hall of Fame
• Grange Legacy Families
• Grange Revival
• Grange Store
• Grouper
• GROW Club Auction
• Grange History curated by Lester Gibbs
• Homesteading
• Kansas State Grange Youth
• Midwest Host Region (Convention T-Shirts)
• National Grange Departments:
• Communications & Good Day! magazine
• Community Service
• Junior Grange
• Lecturer’s Department
• Legislative Department
• Member Benefits
• Membership Department and the SHIPmates
• Youth & Young Adults
• “Oldies but Goodies”
• Quilts of Valor
• Reaching Rural Surgical Seniors
• Rural Minds
• United States Patent & Trademark Office
2024 d i S tin G ui S hed G ran G e
S
15 Years
15 years - Maryland State Grange
13 years - Pennsylvania State Grange^
7 years - Oregon State Grange
6 years - North Carolina State Grange
Five Mile Prairie #905 (WA)^
Redland #796 (OR)
Stanford #808 (NY)
14 Years
Burns #160 (MI)
Grantham #968 (NC)^
13 Years
Gratiot #1898 (MI)
12 Years
Prairie #1832 (IL)
Turkey Hill #1370 (IL)
Valley #1360 (PA)
11 Years
Harveys-Aleppo #1444 (PA)
9 Years
Bethlehem #136 (NY)^
Russellville #91 (PA)^
Springwater #263 (OR)
St. John’s #729 (NC)
Upton #125 (MA)
8 Years
Hookstown #1980 (PA)^
Linganore #410 (MD)
7 Years
Central Union #559 (CA)^
Goldendale #49 (WA)^
Marys River #685 (OR)
6 Years
Creswell #496 (OR)^
5 Years
Hamburg #2103 (PA)
Sterling #53 (MA)
4 Years
Eagle #1 (PA)
Gardner #68 (KS)
New Market #362 (MD)
2 Years
County Line #1751 (IL)
Rio Linda #403 (CA)^
St. Joseph/Cass/Kalamazoo
Pomona #4 (MI)
Thurmont #409 (MD)
1 Year
Bennett Valley #16 (CA)
Big Knob #2008 (PA)^
Clackamas County Pomona #1 (OR)
Columbus #58 (NJ)
Fairview #2177 (IN)
Lorane #54 (OR)
Prices Fork #786 (VA)^
Progress #96 (PA)
^ Denotes GOLDEN Distinguished Grange
Chistine E. Hamp President
John Benedik Vice President
Lynette Schaeffer Exec. Committee Chair
Susan Noah Exec. Committee Secretary
Buddy Overstreet Exec. Committee Member
Leroy Watson Exec. Committee Member
Tom Gwin Lecturer
Chris Johnston Steward
Walter Hartley Assistant Steward
Kathy Gibson Lady Assistant Steward
Kay Hoffman Stiles Chaplain
Joseph Goodrich Treasurer
a SS embly of d emeter
Debbie Campbell Secretary
David Allen Gatekeeper
Cindy Greer Ceres
Barbara Foster Pomona
Welina Shufeldt Flora
Roger Bostwick High Priest
William “Chip” Narvel Priest Archon
Martha Stefenoni Priestess Annalist
Thank You
to our C onvention S pon S or S !
We are incredibly grateful for the sponsors whose support helped us create and plan an unforgettable convention!
