TCA President-Elect Attends Checkoff Orientation in Denver

The Tennessee Beef Industry Council (TBIC) joined 30 other state beef councils (SBCs) to learn about the Beef Checkoff and share ideas during the annual orientation hosted by the Federation of State Beef Councils. Dustin Pearson, of Gray, TN, a new director on the Tennessee Beef Council board participated in the Checkoff Director Orientation held on April 6, in Denver.

“We encourage all new directors to participate in the orientation, they learn more about their roles and responsibilities as stewards of the Beef Checkoff,” said Valerie Bass, Executive Director of the TBIC. “Attendees review the Beef Act & Order, learn about Checkoff history, fiduciary responsibility, and the many ways Checkoff dollars are used to further consumer knowledge about beef from nutrition to how cattle are raised.”

“I enjoyed getting a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the many ways our Checkoff dollars are used to promote our product. There was a tremendous amount of information,” said Pearson. “I also appreciate the state / national partnership – how our Tennessee Beef Council works together with the Federation of State Beef Councils, NCBA Checkoff Division and the CBB to maximize outreach efforts.” “And it was nice to meet other State Beef Council Board Members from across the nation.”

Staff from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) also provided recent campaign results of Checkoff-funded programs and discussed the robust financial firewall that exists between policy and Checkoff spending. The event also served as a way for SBCs to network with one another, meet NCBA staff and learn about available Federation resources.

“This important annual event gives new state beef council staff and directors the resources they need to be successful,” said Brad Hastings, Federation of State Beef Councils chair. “The information shared also helps reinforce the strong state and national partnership that exists through the Federation of State Beef Councils.”

The vision of the Federation of State Beef Councils is to build beef demand by inspiring, unifying and supporting an effective state/national Checkoff partnership. The Federation, organized in 1963, represents the 44 Qualified State Beef Councils and is housed by the NCBA, which is a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.

For more information, visit tnbeef.org.