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President ’s Per spec tive Thank you, Jerome By OCA’s President Tom Sharp sharpranches@aol.com
First and foremost, as I write this article, today is July
10, and our Executive Director Jerome Rosa is completing his last day with the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association and will be traveling to Arizona where he will begin his new employment on July 13, a new chapter in his service to the beef and cattle industry as the Executive Director for the Arizona Cattle Grower’s Association. We will greatly miss Jerome and his tireless, dedicated, and conscientious work efforts and advocacy on behalf of OCA’s membership and Oregon’s statewide beef and cattle industry. Over the last six years, Jerome has served to his fullest capacity while working with OCA past presidents Ray Sessler, John O’Keeffe, Nathan Jackson, and now myself. During this period, he has demonstrated an outstanding performance record of extensive industry knowledge, important legislative accomplishment, difficult issue resolution, and outstanding people and agency relationship skill. Jerome has clearly demonstrated a true passion for our cattle industry which will be difficult to replace.
“It is important OCA leadership cares about, understands, and advocates for statewide issues – whether they be sage grouse in the east, tide gates on the coast, or wolves in between.” I think such advice are excellent “words of wisdom” and important goals for our association to remember. Thank you, Jerome. And best wishes to you and Carole in your transition to Arizona where you can now be close to your Arizona family of children and grandchildren for the great opportunities in life ahead! OCA’s Communications Director, Robyn Smith, produced an outstanding “OCA Farewell Interview and Highlights Recap” with Jerome which can be viewed on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/xs_-l5BLkqQ. And secondly, while our country and industry continue to deal with the personal health impacts and severe economic
I visited with Jerome yesterday in OCA’s Salem office, prior to his departure, and asked him for any closing advice or thoughts for our association. He shared the following statements with me:
july/august 2020
“OCA should strive to be the Face of Oregon Agriculture.”
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“It is important OCA maintains a strong presence in our State Capitol.” “OCA’s membership growth and retention are the biggest issues right now.”
At Jerome’s going away party, hosted by Ray & Bonnie Sessler in Prineville. President Tom Sharp presents Jerome with a beautiful photograph by member Susan Doverspike. A memorial of the “Oregon way of life” he represented for over six years.
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