A Note from FFA CEO Dwight Armstrong regarding FFA and TransCanada

FFA has received expressions of concern regarding the support TransCanada provides to FFA through the National FFA Foundation. Of note is the circulation of an online petition that states:

“National FFA leaders: The controversial Keystone XL pipeline is a highly political issue that has negatively affected many farmers and ranchers across the middle of our country. FFA’s logo, which appears on TransCanada business cards, should not be used as an obvious political ploy that exploits FFA’s good reputation in rural communities for TransCanada’s political gain. Please set a good example for young people across America. Cut ties with TransCanada and demand that they remove FFA’s logo from their business cards and other promotional materials.”

We want to share that TransCanada did obtain permission through the National FFA Foundation to feature the FFA logo and the phrase “Proud Sponsor” on their business cards. This is consistent with the FFA Foundation’s desire to have our sponsors publicly share their support for the National FFA Organization. Typically, the FFA logo and “Proud Sponsors” tagline are featured on advertising and other corporate promotional materials. This is largely done at our request to promote both the FFA and build a wider group of supporters and advocates for FFA and agricultural education.

We recognize that putting the FFA logo on a company’s business card could create an impression that FFA is supportive of that company’s products or public agenda. Because such a perception would be unwarranted, we asked TransCanada to remove it from their cards. The company readily acknowledged our sensitivity and agreed to delete the FFA logo from their company cards. The National FFA Foundation will ensure other Foundation sponsors similarly do not use the FFA logo on business cards. We will continue to encourage Foundation sponsors to utilize the FFA logo and “Proud Sponsor” tagline on advertising and promotional materials for the reasons mentioned above.

TransCanada’s support of FFA

In the news recently, you may have seen some debate about the Keystone Pipeline System, proposed by TransCanada. The pipeline would transport synthetic crude oil and diluted bitumen (“dilbit”) from the Athabasca Oil Sands in northeastern Alberta, Canada to multiple destinations in the United States.

The U.S. Department of State in 2010 extended the deadline for federal agencies to decide if the pipeline is in our national interest, and in November, 2011, President Obama denied the permit, because he did not feel that there had been in enough time to conduct a thorough review.  Last week, TransCanada reapplied for a permit to build the pipeline, and it is currently under review.

Since TransCanada and the Keystone Pipeline are back in the news, we have been getting some questions about their connection with the National FFA Organization.

Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Mothers are a very special part of the support system for students and FFA members.  They drive us to FFA practices and leadership events.  They listen to us hundreds of times as we practice that FFA speech.  They cheer for us when we win a CDE and console us when we lose.  They help put on the FFA Alumni events and are right by our side while filling out record books.  For all that moms do we want to say, “thank you.”

This Mother’s Day you can make a gift to FFA in honor of the special mother in your life.  Donate online here:  www.ffa.org/give

 

Give to FFA, and our Individual Giving Council will match your contribution

Eight people from throughout the country that comprise a special advisory council for the National FFA Foundation are issuing a challenge to FFA and agricultural education supporters everywhere: Give to FFA and we’ll match your gift.

Effective today, each new gift, regardless of the amount, or any increase in prior giving that allows an FFA contributor’s total gift to meet or exceed $1,000 will be matched dollar for dollar by Leadership Challenge funds up to $100,000.

Believe in the Promise

While so much has changed about agriculture-from production and science to business and technology, FFA’s mission has remained rock solid: we develop the potential of students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Hear what the National FFA officers have to say about their belief in the future of agriculture and FFA:

Indiana resident wins CONNECT! campaign grand prize

 

Congratulations goes out to Lei Gunthorp of LaGrange, Ind., who won the grand prize in the National FFA Foundation’s CONNECT! promotional campaign. Gunthorp selected a Yamaha Grizzly 300 Automatic ATV package with accessories. The grand prize was donated to FFA by Yamaha.