PRESS RELEASE | THE OAAS CONVENTION
HAS “GONE VIRTUAL” TO CELEBRATE 175 YEARS
Thursday, February 25, 2021, 2:00 PM by Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies
CELEBRATING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES AT THEIR “GONE VIRTUAL” CONVENTION
For Immediate Release
February 25, 2021 – For 175 years, the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) has been adapting to change, and this past week was no exception. For the first time in the organization's history, their annual Convention has “Gone Virtual,” which ran from Monday, February 15 until Saturday, February 20.
Despite the challenges of the rural Ontario internet, approximately 800 delegates participated in the Virtual Convention. The seminars covered topics as varied as risk management, post-COVID protocols for the safe staging of fairs and events, strategic planning, fundraising, and board governance.
The OAAS Convention offered entertainment, family showcases and the Tradeshow in a virtual format that allowed delegates to view them at their convenience during the week—having it delivered virtually provided an exciting opportunity for increased attendance at the over 30 seminars and allowed for prerecorded “Quick-Tip” videos throughout.
The Convention concluded with the OAAS Annual General Meeting where over 400 delegates representing close to 180 agricultural societies were in attendance. The OAAS is pleased to have been joined by Minister Ernie Hardeman, Minister MacLeod and Senator Rob Black, bringing their greetings, congratulations and continuing support to the OAAS and their Agricultural Societies.
Beth Howell-Vervaecke
2021 OAAS Executive:
- Beth Howell-Vervaecke, President
- Liz O'Gorman-Smit, 1st Vice President
- Glen Syme, 2nd Vice President
- Brian Slaughter, Past-President
2021 Provincial Board of Directors:
- Valerie Allen, District 1
- Angie Robinson, District 2
- Heather Owens, District 3
- Andrew Iceton, District 4
- Linda Murray, District 5
- Heather Dillon, District 6
- Andrew Taylor, District 7
- Bart Scherpenzeel, District 8
- Grace Mullen, District 9
- Mike Dupuis, District 10
- Carol Cann, District 11
- District 12 (vacant)
- Lauren Armstrong, District 13
- Leonard Ripel, District 14
- Randy Creighton, District 15
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For more information on the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) and our Ontario Agricultural Societies and their fairs, visit www.ontarioagsocieties.com
Contact:
Vince Brennan, OAAS Manager
P: 613-395-2465
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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