CCA members share tour meeting insights

...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 How often do you have meetings?

Typically, we have meetings about every two months.

What does the structure of your fall meeting that CCA staff and officers attend look like?

During our fall tour meeting we host a social event for our members. This includes a setting where members can catch up with one another, hear from CCA staff and officers and have dinner together. We also hold our elections and vote at this meeting.

This year we are hoping to incorporate a day event and program leading up to the evening dinner meeting as well.

Is there anything unique about your tour meeting?

Our meeting is held at my cousin’s ranch inside of an old redwood grove in Occidental.

Do you switch it up, or is the meeting in the same format most years?

The format for our tour meeting stays the same every year. Our location for the meeting has also stayed the same for the last few years.

What is the most crucial aspect of hosting a meeting?

The most crucial aspect of hosting the fall tour meeting is that it allows a lot of our members to get a good view of what the state has done for our local association throughout the year and keep them up to date with what is going on. This gives our local members a chance to see what the staff and officers do for them.

How do you draw in attendees?

To draw in attendees, we mail out an invite to the meeting. Only members are invited to the tour meetings.

VENTURA COUNTY CATTLEMEN BEVERLY BIGGER

What role do you play in your local cattlemen’s group?

I have been the president for the last six years, treasurer for 13 and vice president for four.

How often do you have meetings?

With an exception for April and Oct., we have a meeting every month. Board meetings are open to our members and the public. Our meetings serve as a way to get any crucial information out to our members.

What does the structure of your fall meeting that CCA staff and officers attend look like?

Our fall tour meeting consists of a BBQ and a short business meeting at one of our members ranches. It’s important during this meeting that we focus on the information provided to us from CCA staff and officers. It is important that our members have the opportunity to meet the staff and officers in attendance, be able to ask questions and address concerns. During our meeting we also give out awards for our photo contest, the images are showcased at our Ventura County Fair booth.

Do you switch it up, or is the meeting in the same format most years?

The format of our meetings generally stays the same, but we host the tour meeting at different members ranchers in east and west county.

What is the most crucial aspect of hosting a meeting?

When hosting a meeting with cattlemen, you better have a good steak for dinner.

How do you draw in attendees?

To draw in attendees, we send out an email, for our tour meeting we invite the ag commissioner, elected officials and the general public to attend. This allows for them to interact with members and see what we do.

LASSEN COUNTY CATTLEMEN TREVOR WOOD

What role do you play in your local cattlemen’s group?

I serve as the president.

How often do you have meetings?

Throughout the spring and fall we have a meeting about every month and one in the summer which is typically just a board meeting. If there is a pressing topic or feedback the meetings are open for our membership to attend.

What does the structure of your fall meeting that CCA staff and officers attend look like?

About two years ago we combined our Christmas party with our tour meeting at the Elks Lodge. At our meeting we recognize the CattleWomen’s Cowbelle of the year and every other year Lassen County Cattlemen of the Year. We also here from the state staff and officers during this meeting. Santa even makes an appearance at our party and on occasion we will have an ugly Christmas sweater dress up or a give exchange.

Is there anything unique about your tour meeting?

Occasionally our members will have to drive through the snow to get to the party.

Do you switch your meeting up or does it follow the same format most years?

We have a small membership, so we usually follow the same format from year to year.

What is the most crucial aspect of hosting a meeting?

A lot of our members don’t have the chance to attend convention, so the tour meetings with the staff and officers is a good opportunity to mingle with them, learn of their efforts and ask questions.

How do you draw in attendees?

We provide advanced notice to our members sending out emails and letters to them. During our tour meeting only members and their families are invited to attend.

If you would like CCA staff and officers to attend your meeting or event please reach out to Director of Finance and Events, Lisa Brendlen at lisa@calcattlemen.org.