The Midwest Chapter of ARPAS, which was started in 2011, continues to grow with approximately 140 members. The chapter continues to be active in building and supporting ARPAS membership through the University and Industry Relations Committees as well as through targeted sponsorships and ARPAS presentations.
Current Activities
The chapter continues to engage in outreach efforts to strengthen our ties to universities and businesses within the region through our University Relations Committee and our Industry Relations Committee. Our work continues to establish key university and industry contacts to highlight the value of ARPAS membership. One of our major areas of focus is on young professionals and graduating students. Amber Moffitt (
Amber.Moffett@effem.com) continues to chair the Industry Relations Committee, and recently Joanne Knapp (
joanne.r.knapp@gmail.com) and Judy Reynolds (
drjudyreynolds@gmail.com) agreed to co-chair the University Relations Committee. If you have an interest in working on one of these committees, please contact the current chairperson.
Event Participation
September, Minnesota Nutrition Conference—The Midwest Chapter and National ARPAS sponsored the opening general session presentation “Consumer Trends that Are Impacting Animal Agriculture in 2015” (Michael Boland and Metin Cakir, University of Minnesota), September 16–17, 2015. A 10-minute ARPAS presentation was given by Chad Risely at the end of the general session.
Upcoming Events
March, Midwest ADSA-ASAS Meetings—The Midwest Chapter and National ARPAS will participate through symposium sponsorship, participation in Graduate Student Learn and Dinner, ARPAS exam administration, town hall–style meeting with chapter members, and a Chapter Directors Meeting.
April, Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference—Participation includes sponsorship of Meet-n-Greet dinner for students, faculty, and industry professionals on the night before the conference; administration of ARPAS exams; and possibly holding of a lunchtime discussion with ARPAS Midwest Chapter members.
June 4, State Nutrition Conference—Participation includes sponsorship of the overall program and manning of the ARPAS display booth.
Randy Walker, ARPAS Midwest Chapter President