By Barry Baetz, Exiting NEAFA Treasurer
As my final term as a board member for NEAFA comes to a close, I thought it may be beneficial for members to hear what has been done with the stewardship of the funds that NEAFA is entrusted with, and how we’re positioned for the future.
When I became a member of the board 15 years ago, our organization didn’t have term limits. Those were put into place more recently. I’m one of the last board members that were on the board prior to terms. I’ve been the treasurer for approximately 8 years. I took over the position mid-term due to the movement of the prior treasurer into the executive board. A new treasurer will be appointed by the board during the annual meeting happening in just a few days.
It’s important to look back at the strength of the organization from a financial standpoint as we have a changing of the guard. Over the years, we have been a conservative steward of extra funds, but at the same time we have also been trying to have conservative growth in mutual funds as well to make the best use of the members money. This approach has done well, and provides for funding when and if it is needed. For members interested in the specifics of the finances, they can receive updates at the annual meeting, or they can reach out to the current treasurer of the alliance through Sue Van Amburgh.
Our operation of the organization is self sustained; we budget membership dues each year to be self-sustaining of both the operation and activities of the board and of the organization at large. Most of the funds that NEAFA manages are actually from historical activities from before the two previous organizations came together to form NEAFA. These funds currently act as a rainy day fund.
The strength of the organization isn’t just because of a nest egg however. We’re active throughout the industry through lobbying and education. When there is an industry need or a specific project, there are funds available for special projects beyond the normal operating budget.
Throughout agriculture and agribusiness, we have seen consolidation in the past several decades. Throughout this period however, the value of the organization has continued to shine, with a membership pool that remains remarkably steady. That maintenance of membership has been able to allow us to operate in a self-sustaining manner without going into the savings. This is due in part to the strength of the three pillars of our organization; education, advocacy, collaboration. Through our operations we’re able to support advocacy issues as they arise for Northeast agriculture as a whole.
Looking to the future, I believe that the next step for NEAFA is to increase and strengthen industry collaboration with other industry organizations. I look to NEAFA to be the foundation that brings Northeast agricultural organizations together. We are all aligned towards the same goal of strengthening agriculture.
Being in the treasurer’s role has been very gratifying. Having the opportunity to serve as the treasurer and gatekeeper for the funds of the alliance members, I’ve been proud of that responsibility. As NEAFA moves forward, I look forward to seeing new members seated to the board. It allows for new ideas and new directions, which is important in the ever changing landscape that we are seeing every year. I’m sure that the new treasurer will be as diligent of a gatekeeper as I was for our members’ funds, and I look forward to seeing where the organization continues to go in the future.