Member Services Update

A Choice Summer Benefit

by Autumn Wood

It’s been a stressful and challenging year, and many of us are looking for ways to safely relax or get away for a while. Choice Hotels recently announced enhancements to its existing cleanliness protocols through their “Commitment to

Here’s how it works:

1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges Rewards

Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today at www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges/account/enroll

Clean” initiative to offer travelers some peace of mind when staying at one of the thousands of independently owned and 2. Book your stays between July 15 and Sept. 15.

operation Choice Hotels brand locations. This initiative includes enhanced protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing. In other words, when you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you. You can now access a 20% discount on stays using Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation’s preferred rates. Plus, earn 2X points on qualifying stays through Dec. 31st. 3. Check-in at any of their 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by Dec. 31st. RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ®

RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations across the country. We remain committed to your well-beingand are enhancing our existing cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. Plus, earn 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. 2. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020. 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. BOOKINGWITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT ISEASY: •Click hereto access the Choice Net VIP/PreferredRate on ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Preferred Rate ID in the Special Rate box before you search for locations: 00223030 •Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) and provide Preferred Rate ID 00223030 RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations across the country. We remain committed to your well-beingand are enhancing our existing cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. Plus, earn 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. 2. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020. 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. BOOKINGWITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT ISEASY: •Click hereto access the Choice Net VIP/PreferredRate on ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Preferred Rate ID in the Special Rate box before you search for locations: 00223030 •Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) and provide Preferred Rate ID 00223030 Besure to addyour Preferred Rate ID toyour Choice Privileges online RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations across the country. We remain committed to your well-beingand are enhancing our existing cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. Plus, earn 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. 2. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020. 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. BOOKINGWITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT ISEASY: •Click hereto access the Choice Net VIP/PreferredRate on ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Preferred Rate ID in the Special Rate box before you search for locations: 00223030 •Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) and provide Preferred Rate ID 00223030 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . hen you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at t across the country. We remain committed to your well-being cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . hen you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at t across the country. We remain committed to your well-being cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. Book your stays between July15, 2020and RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of across the country. We remain committed to your well-beingand are enhancing our existing cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. Plus, earn 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: BOOKINGWITH YOUR DISCOUNT ISEASY •Click hereto access the Choice Net VIP/Preferred ChoiceHotels.com or RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations across the country. We remain committed to your well-beingand are enhancing our existing cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. Plus, earn 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. 2. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020 BOOKINGWITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT ISEASY: •Click hereto access the Choice Net VIP/PreferredRate on ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Preferred Rate ID in the Special Rate box before you search for locations: 00223030 •Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) and provide Preferred Rate ID 00223030 RRSave 20% onstays and earn 2X points at Choice Hotels ® Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations across the country. We remain committed to your well-beingand are enhancing our existing cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. Plus, earn 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. 2. Book your stays between July15, 2020and BOOKINGWITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT ISEASY: •Click hereto access the Choice Net VIP/PreferredRate on ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Preferred Rate ID in the Special Rate box before you search for locations: 00223030 •Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) and provide Preferred Rate ID • To access the Choice Net VIP/Preferred Rate on ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Preferred Rate ID in the Special Rate box before you search for locations. • Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) and provide Preferred Rate ID. For Preferred Rate ID, contact your local Farm Bureau office. BOOKING WITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT IS EASY: Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations across the country. We remain committed to your well-beingand are enhancing our existing cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. Plus, earn 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. 2. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020. 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. ¹ For terms and conditions, see www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges/rules-regulations. The double points are only available to members of the Choice Privileges Rewards Program who are employees of Choice Hotels corporate travel partners that are the intended recipients of this email (“eligible members”).Eligible members will be awarded double points after a qualifying stay with arrival between 7/15/2020 and 12/31/2020 at a participating Choice Hotel. WoodSpring Suite locations, among others, are not currently participating. All hotels are independently owned and operated. “Double points” means two times the base points earned from a qualifying stay (base points may vary by hotel). To qualify for the bonus points, members must book their staysbetween 7/15/2020 and 9/15/2020with a participating hotel via ChoiceHotels.com, the Choice Hotels mobile app, or 800.4CHOICE at a rate that qualifies for Choice Privileges points and arrive between 7/15/2020 and 12/31/2020.Corporate travelers may book through their online booking tool, GDS, BOOKINGWITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT ISEASY: •Click hereto access the Choice Net VIP/PreferredRate on ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Preferred Rate ID in the Special Rate box before you search for locations: 00223030 •Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) and provide Preferred Rate ID 00223030 Besure to addyour Preferred Rate ID toyour Choice Privileges online profile: My Account > Update Profile > Company Information. Your well-being is top of mind for Choice Hotels and at our thousands of independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with enhanced protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing. Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations across the country. We remain committed to your well-beingand are enhancing our existing cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. Plus, earn 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. 2. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020. 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. ¹ For terms and conditions, see www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges/rules-regulations. The double points are only available to members of the Choice Privileges Rewards Program who are employees of Choice Hotels corporate travel partners that are the intended recipients of this email (“eligible members”).Eligible members will be awarded double points after a qualifying stay with arrival between 7/15/2020 and 12/31/2020 at a participating Choice Hotel. WoodSpring Suite locations, among others, are not currently participating. All hotels are independently owned and operated. “Double points” means two times the base points earned from a qualifying stay (base points may vary by hotel). To qualify for the bonus points, members must book their staysbetween 7/15/2020 and 9/15/2020with a participating hotel via ChoiceHotels.com, the Choice Hotels mobile app, or 800.4CHOICE at a rate that qualifies for Choice Privileges points and arrive between 7/15/2020 and 12/31/2020.Corporate travelers may book through their online booking tool, GDS, or with a travel agent. Corporate travelers must provide their Corporate ID/IATA/Member ID when booking at 800.4CHOICE and, regardless of method booked, all members must provide their Choice Privileges BOOKINGWITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT ISEASY: •Click hereto access the Choice Net VIP/PreferredRate on ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Preferred Rate ID in the Special Rate box before you search for locations: 00223030 •Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) and provide Preferred Rate ID 00223030 Besure to addyour Preferred Rate ID toyour Choice Privileges online profile: My Account > Update Profile > Company Information. Your well-being is top of mind for Choice Hotels and at our thousands of independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with enhanced protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing. Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations across the country. We remain committed to your well-beingand are enhancing our existing cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. Plus, earn 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. 2. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020. 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. ¹ For terms and conditions, see www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges/rules-regulations. The double points are only available to members of the Choice Privileges Rewards Program who are employees of Choice Hotels corporate travel partners that are the intended recipients of this email (“eligible members”).Eligible members will be awarded double points after a qualifying stay with arrival between 7/15/2020 and 12/31/2020 at a participating Choice Hotel. WoodSpring Suite locations, among others, are not currently participating. All hotels are independently owned and operated. “Double points” means two times the base points earned from a qualifying stay (base points may vary by hotel). To qualify for the bonus points, members must book their staysbetween 7/15/2020 and 9/15/2020with a participating hotel via ChoiceHotels.com, the Choice Hotels mobile app, or 800.4CHOICE at a rate that qualifies for Choice Privileges points and arrive between 7/15/2020 and 12/31/2020.Corporate travelers may book through their online booking tool, GDS, BOOKINGWITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT ISEASY: •Click hereto access the Choice Net VIP/PreferredRate on ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Preferred Rate ID in the Special Rate box before you search for locations: 00223030 •Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) and provide Preferred Rate ID 00223030 Besure to addyour Preferred Rate ID toyour Choice Privileges online profile: My Account > Update Profile > Company Information. Your well-being is top of mind for Choice Hotels and at our thousands of independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with enhanced protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing. Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . hen you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at t across the country. We remain committed to your well-being cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020. in at any of our 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. your Preferred Rate ID toyour Choice Privileges online profile: My Account > Update Profile > Company Information. Your well-being is top of mind for Choice Hotels and at our thousands of independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . hen you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at t across the country. We remain committed to your well-being cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020. in at any of our 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. your Preferred Rate ID toyour Choice Privileges online profile: My Account > Update Profile > Company Information. Your well-being is top of mind for Choice Hotels and at our thousands of independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with enhanced protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing. Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of across the country. We remain committed to your well-beingand are enhancing our existing cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. Plus, earn 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. 2. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020. 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating BOOKINGWITH YOUR DISCOUNT ISEASY •Click hereto access the Choice Net VIP/Preferred ChoiceHotels.com or Preferred Rate ID in the Special Rate box before you locations: 00223030 •Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) and provide Preferred Rate ID 00223030 Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations across the country. We remain committed to your well-beingand are enhancing our existing cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. Plus, earn 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. 2. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020. 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. BOOKINGWITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT ISEASY: •Click hereto access the Choice Net VIP/PreferredRate on ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Preferred Rate ID in the Special Rate box before you search for locations: 00223030 •Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) and provide Preferred Rate ID 00223030 Besure to addyour Preferred Rate ID toyour Choice Privileges online profile: My Account > Update Profile > Company Information. Your well-being is top of mind for Choice Hotels and at our thousands of independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with enhanced protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing. Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations across the country. We remain committed to your well-beingand are enhancing our existing cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. Plus, earn 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. 2. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020. 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. BOOKINGWITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT ISEASY: •Click hereto access the Choice Net VIP/PreferredRate on ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Preferred Rate ID in the Special Rate box before you search for locations: 00223030 •Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) and provide Preferred Rate ID 00223030 Besure to addyour Preferred Rate ID toyour Choice Privileges online profile: My Account > Update Profile > Company Information. Your well-being is top of mind for Choice Hotels and at our thousands of independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with enhanced protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing. • To access the Choice Net VIP/Preferred Rate on ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Preferred Rate ID in the Special Rate box before you search for locations. • Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) and provide Preferred Rate ID. For Preferred Rate ID, contact your local Farm Bureau office. BOOKING WITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT IS EASY: Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations across the country. We remain committed to your well-beingand are enhancing our existing cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. Plus, earn 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. 2. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020. 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. ¹ For terms and conditions, see www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges/rules-regulations. The double points are only available to members of the Choice Privileges Rewards Program who are employees of Choice Hotels corporate travel partners that are the intended recipients of this email (“eligible members”).Eligible members will be awarded double points after a qualifying stay with arrival between 7/15/2020 and 12/31/2020 at a participating Choice Hotel. WoodSpring Suite locations, among others, are not currently participating. All hotels are independently owned and operated. “Double points” means two times the base points earned from a qualifying stay (base points may vary by hotel). To qualify for the bonus points, members must book their staysbetween 7/15/2020 and 9/15/2020with a participating hotel via ChoiceHotels.com, the Choice Hotels mobile app, or 800.4CHOICE at a rate that qualifies for Choice Privileges points and arrive between 7/15/2020 and 12/31/2020.Corporate travelers may book through their online booking tool, GDS, or with a travel agent. Corporate travelers must provide their Corporate ID/IATA/Member ID when booking at 800.4CHOICE and, regardless of method booked, all members must provide their Choice Privileges BOOKINGWITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT ISEASY: •Click hereto access the Choice Net VIP/PreferredRate on ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Preferred Rate ID in the Special Rate box before you search for locations: 00223030 •Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) and provide Preferred Rate ID 00223030 Besure to addyour Preferred Rate ID toyour Choice Privileges online profile: My Account > Update Profile > Company Information. Your well-being is top of mind for Choice Hotels and at our thousands of independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with enhanced protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing. Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations across the country. We remain committed to your well-beingand are enhancing our existing cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. Plus, earn 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. 2. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020. 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. ¹ For terms and conditions, see www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges/rules-regulations. The double points are only available to members of the Choice Privileges Rewards Program who are employees of Choice Hotels corporate travel partners that are the intended recipients of this email (“eligible members”).Eligible members will be awarded double points after a qualifying stay with arrival between 7/15/2020 and 12/31/2020 at a participating Choice Hotel. WoodSpring Suite locations, among others, are not currently participating. All hotels are independently owned and operated. “Double points” means two times the base points earned from a qualifying stay (base points may vary by hotel). To qualify for the bonus points, members must book their staysbetween 7/15/2020 and 9/15/2020with a participating hotel via ChoiceHotels.com, the Choice Hotels mobile app, or 800.4CHOICE at a rate that qualifies for Choice Privileges points and arrive between 7/15/2020 and 12/31/2020.Corporate travelers may book through their online booking tool, GDS, or with a travel agent. Corporate travelers must provide their Corporate ID/IATA/Member ID when booking at 800.4CHOICE and, regardless of method booked, all members must provide their Choice Privileges member number upon check-in. Guest must book their preferred corporate rate. Production will be based on the amount of point earning stays booked with the Corporate Travel ID, the dedicated IATA, Rate BOOKINGWITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT ISEASY: •Click hereto access the Choice Net VIP/PreferredRate on ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Preferred Rate ID in the Special Rate box before you search for locations: 00223030 •Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) and provide Preferred Rate ID 00223030 Besure to addyour Preferred Rate ID toyour Choice Privileges online profile: My Account > Update Profile > Company Information. Your well-being is top of mind for Choice Hotels and at our thousands of independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with enhanced protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing. Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations across the country. We remain committed to your well-beingand are enhancing our existing cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. Plus, earn 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. 2. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020. 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. ¹ For terms and conditions, see www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges/rules-regulations. The double points are only available to members of the Choice Privileges Rewards Program who are employees of Choice Hotels corporate travel partners that are the intended recipients of this email (“eligible members”).Eligible members will be awarded double points after a qualifying stay with arrival between 7/15/2020 and 12/31/2020 at a participating Choice Hotel. WoodSpring Suite locations, among others, are not currently participating. All hotels are independently owned and operated. “Double points” means two times the base points earned from a qualifying stay (base points may vary by hotel). To qualify for the bonus points, members must book their staysbetween 7/15/2020 and 9/15/2020with a participating hotel via ChoiceHotels.com, the Choice Hotels mobile app, or 800.4CHOICE at a rate that qualifies for Choice Privileges points and arrive between 7/15/2020 and 12/31/2020.Corporate travelers may book through their online booking tool, GDS, or with a travel agent. Corporate travelers must provide their Corporate ID/IATA/Member ID when booking at 800.4CHOICE and, regardless of method booked, all members must provide their Choice Privileges member number upon check in. Guest must book their preferred corporate rate. Production will be based on the amount of point earning stays booked with the Corporate Travel ID, the dedicated IATA, Rate BOOKINGWITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT ISEASY: •Click hereto access the Choice Net VIP/PreferredRate on ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Preferred Rate ID in the Special Rate box before you search for locations: 00223030 •Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) and provide Preferred Rate ID 00223030 Besure to addyour Preferred Rate ID toyour Choice Privileges online profile: My Account > Update Profile > Company Information. Your well-being is top of mind for Choice Hotels and at our thousands of independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with enhanced protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing. Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . hen you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at t across the country. We remain committed to your well-being cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020. in at any of our 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. your Preferred Rate ID toyour Choice Privileges online profile: My Account > Update Profile > Company Information. Your well-being is top of mind for Choice Hotels and at our thousands of independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels ® . hen you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at t across the country. We remain committed to your well-being cleanliness protocolsthrough theCommitment to Cleaninitiative. You can now access a 20% discounton stays with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. 2X pointson qualifying stays through December 31, 2020. 1 Here’s how: Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today. Book your stays between July15, 2020and September15, 2020. in at any of our 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. your Preferred Rate ID toyour Choice Privileges online profile: My Account > Update Profile > Company Information. 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PLANTATION AGRICULTURE MUSEUM by Keith Sutton

Plantation Agriculture Museum is at the junction of Highways 165 and 161 in Scott. The SteeleDortch Store, seen here on the left, now houses the museum’s visitor center and main exhibits. The building was originally constructed in 1912 and was renovated in 1989.

In a state like Arkansas, which has a rich agricultural history, it’s no surprise we have dozens of museums and historical sites to educate people about farming and ranching in days gone by. What is surprising is the fact that many of our state’s citizens have no idea these places exist, and as a result, they’re missing wonderful opportunities to learn more about the Natural State’s rich agricultural heritage.

For example, while traveling from Little Rock to Stuttgart on U.S. Highway 165, many of you have probably driven right past Plantation Agriculture Museum in Scott numerous times without stopping to see what’s inside. But next time you’re in the neighborhood, we suggest you drop in for a visit. Spending some time looking at the artifacts and exhibits inside this unique facility can give you and your family and friends a much greater appreciation of the important role agriculture has played in the history of central Arkansas.

A Look Back

The community of Scott on the Pulaski-Lonoke County line was named for the Scott family, whose ancestors settled there in the early 1800s. The family owned a 2,000-acre plantation, plus a general store that opened in 1912. When the store closed in the 1960s, plantation owner Robert Dortch and his daughter Floride Dortch Rebsamen bought the building and turned it into a museum commemorating Arkansas plantation life.

The museum eventually grew to include thousands of artifacts, ranging from blacksmith tools and kitchen appliances to a pair of huge steam engines. Unfortunately, it closed in 1978, six years after Robert Dortch’s death, and fell into a state of disrepair.

In 1985, the state legislature approved funding to buy and renovate the property. Four years later, the museum reopened under the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism as the Plantation Agriculture Museum, with a new mission to “collect, preserve, record and interpret the history of cotton agriculture, with an emphasis on plantations.”

Today, the museum houses more than 10,000 artifacts. Exhibits take visitors “from the field to the gin,” explaining how cotton was grown and harvested in the pre-mechanized era. The life and culture of people from slaves to sharecroppers to plantation owners are explored in the museum’s exhibits.

Things to See

A good place to begin your tour is in the Steele-Dortch Store, which contains the gift shop and restrooms, plus exhibits that cover what a cotton farmer would do year-round: plowing, planting, cultivating and picking cotton. Among the items guests can see are a breaking plow, middlebuster, fertilizer distributor, one-row planter, walking cultivator, cotton scale, cotton sacks and historic photographs of pickers at work.

Picking cotton required more time and work than any step in cotton production. Men, women and children worked side by side in the fields, each dragging a cotton sack or basket. Schools often closed to allow children to pick cotton, and people from cities often came to plantations and farms for picking. A field was picked two to four times between August and December.

An exhibit on ginning explains how Eli Whitney’s idea for a “cotton engine” became what we call a cotton gin today. The exhibit includes an early gin and describes how a cotton gin works. The museum also has an old-style cotton bale and a scale used to weigh the bales.

A mule exhibit places emphasis on the important role of these draft animals, a necessity on farms and plantations. The largest plantations had 200 or more mules; the smallest farms had one or two. One cotton farmer wrote that mules were “as necessary as the sun and rain.” The exhibit includes mule collars, harnesses, trace chains, name boards and farrier’s equipment.

An early 1900s kitchen features a wood-burning cook stove, ice box, pitcher pump and other items common on farms and plantation kitchens before rural electrification.

Outdoor Exhibits

Adjacent the museum entrance, a path leads past steam-traction engines and other large machinery en route to the restored gin and seed warehouse. Here, visitors can see a cotton pen built on runners. Pulled by mules or a tractor, it was positioned near a field being picked and loaded with newly picked cotton that would later be hauled in wagons to a gin. Giant traction engines next to the pen are early models with steel-lugged wheels powered by one-cylinder steam engines. These powered threshers or cotton gins in the field.

You’ll also find outside a diverse collection of antique tractors and farm implements.

Modern tractors did not appear until the 1920s, and, by the early 1940s, signified the beginning of mechanized cotton agriculture. Tractors became increasingly popular, to the point that sharecroppers were “tractored off” the land by these machines that could do the work of several men with mules.

Most artifacts and exhibits at Plantation Agriculture Museum focus on cotton farming, including a wide variety of old photographs and this 25-saw cotton gin Robert Dortch used to process experimental cotton varieties he grew.

Fans of antique tractors will find several old models on display outside the museum.

Dortch Gin Building

The Dortch Gin building houses a fully restored ginning system including two 80-saw gin stands, a two-bale press, blowers and belt-driven line shafts. Exhibits include replica mules pulling a cotton wagon, photographs and interpretation of the ginning equipment. The gin was powered by steam when built in 1919. Over the next decade, Dortch added a diesel engine, new gin stand feeders and electric motors. By 1938, he had built a new gin, and, within a few years, the equipment you see today was antiquated and no longer in use.

Seed Warehouse No. 5

The 10,000-square-foot seed warehouse, built in 1948 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was used to store and distribute cotton, soybean and rice seeds for Robert L. Dortch Seed Farms. The building design includes truss construction to eliminate the need for interior supporting columns, a floor-to-ceiling auger system, improved ventilation and sloping sides to accommodate the shape of huge piles of seeds. Exhibits and photographs tell the story of the historic structure, its use, Arkansas’ main seed crops, seed breeding, seed-processing machinery and sacking/shipping operations. The warehouse had a Cotton Belt Railroad spur A walk through the Dortch Gin building at its side. Today, visitors enter the restored warehouse through vintage Cotton Belt boxcars. • provides visitors an up-close look at the

fully restored 80-saw gin system once The massive Seed used on the Dortch plantation. Warehouse No. 5 was

built adjacent to the Cotton Belt Railroad in Scott for the purpose The Plantation Agriculture Museum is in Scott at 4815 Arkansas Highway 161 South. of transporting Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. cottonseeds as well as Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

storing seeds for the

Dortch plantation. For more information, call 501-961-1409 or visit www.arkansasstateparks.com/plantationagriculturemuseum/

Here's to our family farmer-members, and all they do to provide quality rice for all. Thank you for all you do.

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