Volunteers acknowledged during annual banquet

(EMAILWIRE.COM, July 24, 2006 ) San Angelo, TX -- Members and friends of the American Emu Association (AEA) saluted industry volunteers on July 15 during the annual banquet held in conjunction with the 2006 AEA National Convention, held this year at the Madison West-Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, Middleton, WI. "Our industry is moved forward by volunteers," observed Charles Ramey, President of the American Emu Association (AEA) "It's important to take time to acknowledge the accomplishments of those who have made a significant and consistent sacrifice of time from their personal lives to serve the emu industry."

Founded in 1989, the American Emu Association is a member driven organization that represents an alternative agricultural community dominated by the small farmer. AEA recognizes volunteers each year during the convention banquet.

The “2006 Ann Olsson Leadership Recognition Award” was presented to Joylene Reavis of Wisconsin. This award is given in acknowledgement of the effort and work done by a volunteer in previous years and reads: “For Your Dedicated Service and in Recognition of Your Exceptional Accomplishments on Behalf of the Emu Industry.” Originally titled the “American Emu Association Leadership Recognition Award,” the award was renamed in 2005 in honor of former AEA president, the late Ann Olsson of Oregon.

The “2006 Bitsy Cartwright Pioneer Award” was presented to Peter and the late Pat Duncan, of South Africa. The award is given in acknowledgement of effort and work done by a couple or company in previous years to benefit the emu industry. The plaque reads: “For Your Dedicated Service and in recognition of your exceptional accomplishments on behalf of the emu industry.” Originally titled the “American Emu Association Pioneer Award,” the award was renamed in 2004 in honor of industry pioneer, the late Bitsy Cartwright of Texas.

Publisher Sherrie Schatz and editor Sheree Lewis accepted a special award on behalf of “Emu Today and Tomorrow” (ISSN 10626034). The “All Time Most Valued Benefactor Award” was presented to the magazine in acknowledgement of the support the industry has received over the years. The plaque reads: “For your dedicated service, undying loyalty, exceptional accomplishments and unflinching generosity on behalf of the emu industry.” Established in 1991, Emu Today and Tomorrow is the only industry related publication currently on the market. “This award will never be repeated,” stated Marcia Huddleston, Awards Coordinator, “because no one else stayed with us all the way from the beginning of the industry.”

Other volunteers recognized were Judy Bracht of Ohio and Clover Quinn of Montana, with a special thanks to the Wisconsin Emu Association for organizing and hosting the convention.

The American Emu Association is a national, non-profit organization that represents an alternative agricultural industry, dominated by the small farmer, who is devoted to humane and environmentally positive practices that will produce beneficial products for society. For more information about emus and the products produced by this alternative agriculture, or to join AEA, visit the American Emu Association website at http://www.aea-emu.org, call (541) 332-0675 or email info@aea-emu.org.