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HOT TOPICS:

• Rosters DUE October 1, 2023.   2023-2024 FFA Roster Instructions

  • FFA roster due date:  October 1, 2023

  • Administrator Approval date:  November 1, 2023

    • Reminders: Make sure you do not have any members in the pending submission area.

    • Administrator approval must be completed before the roster will be approved to National FFA.

• Chapter Strategic Plan:  You must submit a Chapter Strategic Plan ( Pre POA) by October 1 to receive any credit in Section E of the IFGA.  The FFA Chapter can use any format they prefer, but all plans received must be sent electronically.  NO paper copies are needed.  

Steps to complete the Illinois FFA Chapter Strategic Plan Process: 

1.  ALL FFA Chapters MUST Click here

2. ALL FFA Chapters MUST Answer the first 5 questions of the form.

3. EITHER upload your own plan OR complete the form you have opened created by the Illinois FFA Center.

4. ALL Chapters MUST open this form REGARDLESS of what format the Chapter Strategic Plan is in.

Here are the Questions on the Chapter Strategic Plan form.  

Questions, email mbunselmeyer@illinoisffa.org

DISCLAIMER - If your school does NOT allow access to uploading to Google forms, please email your Chapter Strategic Plan to intern@illinoisffa.org by October 1.

As a reminder, the Chapter Strategic Plan (Pre - POA) is due October 1.

****NEW Information****

1. Pollinator Habitat Grants - DUE November 17, 2023

2. Chevron Tractor Restoration Competition - Vote for Warsaw FFA Member Alex Woods 

3. My Impact Challenge - National Civics Challenge 

4. C.A.R.E. Form Needs to be Completed in AET - Required for All Students Attending Conferences & Convention

5. BUILD Conference Registration Opens Today

6. Fall Middle School Conference Registration Opens Today

7. Ground Zero Conference Registration Opens Today

1. Pollinator Habitat Grants - DUE November 17, 2023

Sand County Foundation is now accepting proposals from high school teachers for pollinator habitat grants! This competitive grant program gives students hands-on experience growing native forbs indoors and establishing pollinator habitats. Successful applicants will receive prairie seeds and seedlings, an orientation and consultation, and $1,000 to support project expenses.

Applications are due November 17th.

To be eligible you must be a high school teacher, have access to a suitable indoor growing area, identify a site (working/agricultural lands preferred), and be located in Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, or Wisconsin.

Interested in applying? Visit www.sandcountyfoundation.org/schoolgrants for details. Please feel free to contact Haley Diem at hdiem@sandcountyfoundation.org for more information!

2. Chevron Tractor Restoration Competition - Vote for Warsaw FFA Member Alex Woods 

Warsaw FFA Member Alex Woods restored a 1940 John Deere A as part of his Ag Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Entrepreneurship SAE. After seeing finalist tractors displayed at the 2022 National FFA Convention Expo, Alex decided to enter his projects into the Chevron Tractor Restoration Competition. He is the only entry from Illinois. One aspect to the competition is a fan favorite category. People can vote 3 times daily from each email. Here is the link to vote: https://www.chevrontrcvoting.com/Voting/Details?entryId=43

The Chevron Tractor Restoration Competition (TRC)was established 25 years ago to recognize and reward the creativity, technical aptitude and business knowledge of high school-aged students from around the country. In addition to learning technical and mechanical skills from their restoration, participants develop teamwork, project management, budget management, planning and marketing skills. All of these skills will enable them to become future leaders in the agriculture community.

This prestigious national program is open to U.S. high school students. Now celebrating its 25th year, the Chevron TRC provides students with an array of opportunities to learn and grow — both professionally and personally — with hands-on exposure to real world skills.

The Chevron TRC is a lot of hard work, but it’s also a lot of fun and provides the opportunity for nationwide recognition and prizes! The competition awards prizes totaling up to $20,000 with the recognition of a Grand Champion, Reserve Champion, and Third Place, as well as ancillary competition awards. Whether you’re involved with FFA, 4-H, Skills USA, or simply interested in agriculture and/or the restoration process, the Chevron TRC is a rewarding experience which engages you, your families, educational advisors, mentors, and oftentimes entire communities!

3.  My Impact Challenge - National Civics Challenge 

The Bill of Rights Institute, a national history and civics non-profit, and is seeking partners for our national service-learning contest and curriculum, MyImpact Challenge.

We welcome your help: 

1. Engaging students with MyImpact’s six-lesson curricular supplement about how to design a service project grounded in American founding principles.  

2. Spreading the word about the contest to government teachers, guidance counselors,  and after-school clubs. Use the contest poster!

Schedule a Zoom meeting with us!

MyImpact Challenge asks students aged 13-19 to undertake a community service project and submit two essays for the chance to win up to $10,000.?Our contest is unique because, in addition to a project report, we require students to write an essay on how their project advances founding principles and civic virtues. This roots service in ideals and cutting through today’s polarized climate. Find out more at MyImpactChallenge.org.

Any student can enter a started project, but we also offer a six-lesson curricular supplement on how to build a service project from the ground up. The contest is open until May 20, 2024, so there is plenty of time. For more info on our curricular supplement, judging rubric, and past winners, visit MyImpact Challenge.org. 

5.  Illinois FFA C.A.R.E Form in AET Required

The   Illinois FFA C.A.R.E. - Commitment to Appropriate and Respectful Experiences form is required to be completed in AET for all students attending any conferences and conventions.  This form must be completed before attending the conference or convention.  Here are the instructions for the students and teachers.  Please also review the CARE Corrective Action Form prior to attending events.  

6. BUILD Conference Registration Opens Today

The BUILD Conference is partnered with the Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Association FFA and will be held at the Illinois State University, Bone Center, Normal, Illinois on Monday, November 20 - Tuesday, November 21, 2023.  This conference is an overnight conference and registration will open on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. and registration closes on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.   The BUILD Conference is for Juniors and Seniors and the cost is $110 per student (total 500 students), $60 per advisor for Professional Development, and/or Chaperones/Advisors not wanting professional development $60.   These instructions will give the complete details for registration including cost, site, meals provided, food allergies/vegetarian form link, Participation Form (Instructions on How to Upload the Form), and available room blocks. Each student/parent must sign the waiver form which can be uploaded to the registration or brought to the conference.  Each student must complete the C.A.R.E. Form in AET.  If you would like to use Hopper Funds, please contact Tammy Yard at tyard@illinoisffa.org before submitting your registration.  If you have any questions about the event and/or registration questions, please contact Patti Davis at pdavis@illinoisffa.org.

Teacher Professional Development Workshop Information is being finalized at this time.

7.Fall Middle School Conference Registration Opens Today

The IL FFA will be hosting the Fall Middle School Conference and it will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at two separate locations:  Illinois Central College, East Peoria & Southeastern Illinois College, Harrisburg.  The student cost will be $60 (total 130), FFA Advisors PD/Chaperones is $15.  Registration ends on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.  

Please complete the Food Allergy/Vegetarian Meal form if the FFA Advisor, Chaperone, and/or student(s) have food allergies or need a special meal.  Each student/parent must sign the Participation Form (Instructions on How to Upload the Form) or bring it to the conference.  Each student must complete the C.A.R.E. Form in AET.  Professional Development will be announced soon.  If you would like to use Hopper Funds, please contact Tammy Yard at tyard@illinoisffa.org before submitting your registration.  If you have any questions about the event and/or registration questions, please contact Patti Davis at pdavis@illinoisffa.org.  Teacher Professional Development Workshop Information is being finalized at this time.

Three additional Middle School Conference sites will be available for the spring semester on April 23 at Lincoln Land Community College, on April 24 at Sauk Valley Community College, and on April 25 at Rend Lake Community College. At this time, each chapter will be allowed to sign up 10 members for each conference site. An additional waitlist will be created to determine interest in additional conference openings.

8.Ground Zero Conference Registration Opens Today

The Ground Zero Conference is being offered at four locations on different dates: Two-Day Conferences: January 22-23, 2024 - Northfield Inn & Suites, Springfield, Students Cost $105 (total 400), Advisors PD/Chaperones $50; January 26-27, 2024 - SIU, Carbondale, Students Cost $95 (total 400), Advisors PD/Chaperones $40.  One-Day Conferences on Wednesday, January 31, 2024: WIU, Macomb, Students $95 (total 200), Advisors PD/Chaperones $40; & Joliet Junior College, Joliet, Students $105 (total 100); Advisors PD/Chaperones $50.  For the 2024 Ground Zero Conference, we are offering a $95 credit for a student registration which will be applied to your accounts once registration ends.  Registration will end on Friday, January 12, 2024.  The IL FFA Alumni Ground Zero Conference Applications are available at this link (must have an active alumni to apply).

Please review these event instructions, participation form (Instructions on How to Upload the Form) and C.A.R.E.S. Form required hotel room blocks, food allergies/special meal, etc.   If you would like to use Hopper Funds, please contact Tammy Yard at tyard@illinoisffa.org before submitting your registration.  If you have any questions about the event and/or registration questions, please contact Patti Davis at pdavis@illinoisffa.org.  Teacher Professional Development Workshop Information is being finalized at this time.

**** PREVIOUS Information Shared - WORTH Sharing Again****

• CLICK HERE to view

• IAVAT Dues & Donations Link

• 2023-24 CDE/LDE Calendar Updated 9-8-23

• C.A.R.E. Form in AET Instructions

• Fall & Spring Conferences Registration & Site Information

*Please NOTE, that if you click on Dates & Deadlines it will take you to the www.ilaged.org calendar.  

• September 12, 2023 - District I Star Conference, Black Hawk College - Vet Sciences Bldg - 26230 Black Hawk Road, Galva, IL 61434

• September 13, 2023 - District II Star Conference, Joliet Junior College - Main Campus, U Building - Main Campus, 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL

• September 14, 2023 - District IV Star Conference, Lake Land College –5001 Lake Land Blvd, Mattoon, IL 

• September 15, 2023 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Forestry CDE to IL FFA Center 

• September 16, 2023 - Early Bird Registration ends for State Forestry CDE

• September 17, 2023 - St. Louis Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Game, IL Foundation FFA Fundraiser, Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO

• September 18, 2023 - Virtual IAVAT Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

• September 18 - 22, 2023 - Chapter Visits in Sections 18 and 19

• September 22, 2023 - Elite Conference, Heartland College, 1500 W Raab Rd, Normal, IL 61761

• September 23, 2023 - State Horse CDE, Black Hawk College East Campus, 26230 Black Hawk Rd, Galva, IL 

• September 25, 2023 - IL Team Ag Ed Vision Planning (Tentative)

• September 25 - 29 - Chapter Visits in Sections 13, 14, 15, 22 and 24 

• September 27, 2023 - Early Bird Registration ends for State Land Use CDE

• September 27, 2023 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Land Use CDE

• September 27, 2023 - Illinois FFA Center Closed for Office Cleanout Day

• September 30, 2023 - State Forestry CDE, SIU College of Agricultural Sciences, 1205 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale, IL 

• October 1, 2023 - FFA Rosters Due

• October 1, 2023 - Chapter Strategic Plan DUE - Click here

• October 1, 2023 - Illinois FFA Alumni & Supporters Council Letter of Intent DUE

• October 5, 2023 - National Convention Prep Day, IAA Building, Normal, IL

• October TBA, 2023 - State Land Use CDE - Tentative

• October 2 - 6, 2023 - Chapter Visits in Sections 2, 9, 11, 20, and 23

• October 9, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSED for Holiday

• October 11, 2023 - State Land Use, Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville, IL

• October 12 - 13, 2023 - IACCAI Conference, Heartland Community College, Bloomington, IL

• October 16 - 20, 2023 - Chapter Visits in Sections 1, 4, 7, 16, and 21

• October 23, 2023 - Illinois Foundation FFA Board Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield, IL (Tentative)

• October 24, 2023 - Virtual State Officer Meeting, 3:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

• October 25, 2023 - Fall Middle School Conference Registration ENDS & Food Allergies/Vegetarian Form DUE

• October 25, 2023 - IAVAT Board Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield, IL 

• October 26, 2023 - Virtual FFA Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

• October 31, 2023 - IAVAT & IACCAI Dues Deadline

• November 1, 2023 - Administrator Approval for FFA Rosters DUE

• November 1-4, 2023 - National FFA Convention, Indianapolis, IN

• November 3, 2023 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Ag Sales CDE to IL FFA Center 

• November 4, 2023 - State Ag Sales Results Due

• November 6, 2023 - BUILD Conference Registration Closes & Food Allergies/Special Meal Form DUE

• November 7, 2023 - Virtual FFA Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

• November 7, 2023 - Fall PAS Conference Registration Due

• November 8, 2023 - Fall Middle School Conference at ICC, East Peoria or Southeastern Illinois College, Harrisburg

• November 8, 2023 - Illinois FFA Alumni & Supporters Scholarships Applications Due for WLC & Ground Zero Conference

• November 8, 2023 - CREW Meeting, Virtual, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• November 9, 2023 - ICAE Meeting, (site tentative)

• November 10, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSED for Holiday

• November 13 - 17, 2023 - Chapter Visits in Sections 6, 8, 12, and 17

• November 14, 2023 - Virtual FFA Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

• November 14, 2023 - IAVAT Administrative Council Meeting, FFA Center, Springfield

• November 16, 2023 - PAS Conference, ISU, Hancock Stadium, North Main St, Normal, IL

• November 18, 2023 - State Ag Sales, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62703

• November 18, 2023 - Illinois FFA Alumni & Supporters Council Meeting, Illinois FFA Center, Springfield, IL

• November 20-21, 2023 - BUILD Conference, ISU, Bone Center, 200 N University St, Normal, IL

• November 22, 2023 - IL FFA Center Closing at 12:30 for Holiday

• November 23-24, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSED for Holiday

• November 25, 2023 - Mandatory Registration closes for State Dairy Foods CDE

• November 25, 2023 - Early Bird Registration closes for State Agronomy CDE

• November 28 - December 2, 2023 - NAAE/ACTE Conference, Phoenix, AZ

• November 24, 2023 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Dairy Foods and State Agronomy CDEs to IL FFA Center 

• December 1-4, 2023 - IAA Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, Palmer House, Chicago, IL

• December 4 - 8, 2023 - Chapter Visits in Sections 3, 5, 10, and 25

• December 9, 2023 - State Agronomy & Dairy Foods CDEs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL

• December 14, 2023 - Virtual FFA Board Meeting

• December 21, 2023 - Illinois FFA Center Closes at 12:30 p.m. for the Christmas/New Year’s Holidays

• December 22, 2023  to January 2, 2024 - Christmas/New Year’s Holiday – IL FFA Center Closed

• January 5, 2024 - Tentative IAVAT/FFA Joint Board Meeting, IL FFA Center

• January 5, 2024 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Annual Meeting Registration Closes

• January 6, 2024 - Tentative IAVAT Section Chairs Meeting, IL FFA Center

• January 8, 2024 - American FFA Degree Mandatory Intents DUE

• January 10, 2024 - CREW Meeting, Virtual, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• January 12, 2024 - Ground Zero Conference Registration ENDS & Food Allergies/Special Meal Form DUE

• January 12, 2024 - Tentative ICAE Meeting

• January 15, 2024 - American FFA Degree Applications DUE

• January 15, 2024 - IL FFA Center CLOSED for Holiday

• January 19-20, 2024 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Annual Meeting & Auction, President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, 701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL

• January 22-23, 2024 - Ground Zero Conference, Northfield Inn & Suites,  3280 Northfield Dr, Springfield, IL 62702

• January 26-27, 2024 - Ground Zero Conference, Southern Illinois University, 1263 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901

• January 30, 2024 - Spring PAS Conference Registration DUE

• January 31, 2024 - Deadline for Foundation Program & Stage Recognition for Sponsorship and Collections 

• January 31, 2024 - Ground Zero Conference, 2 Sites:  Joliet Junior College, Main Campus, U Building - Main Campus, 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL& WIU, 1 University Cir, Macomb, IL 61455

• February 5-7-, 2024 - American Degree Interviews, FFA Center, Springfield

• February 8, 2024 - Spring PAS Conference, Heartland Community College, 1500 W Raab Rd, Normal, IL 61761

• February 13, 2024 - FFA Board Virtual Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• February 17, 2024 - Tentative State FFA Officer Candidate & Parent Orientation, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• February 17, 2024 - State Meats Evaluation & Technology & Veterinary Science CDEs Early Bird Registration Ends

• February 17, 2024 - State Ag Ed Lesson Plans DUE

• February 17-25, 2024 - National FFA Week

• February 23, 2024 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Meats & Vet Science CDEs to IL FFA Center 

• February 27, 2024 - Virtual FFA Board Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• March or April 2024 - Tentative State Dairy Cattle/Handlers CDE 

• March 2024 - Tentative Ag Legislative Day

• March 1, 2024 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Rosters & Dues DUE 

• March 1, 2024 - Sam Taylor Scholarship Applications DUE

• March 2, 2024 - State Meats & State Vet Science & Ag Ed CDEs, University Of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Stock Pavilion, 1380-1476 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801

• March 2-3, 2024 - Tentative State Officer Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• March 2-3, 2024 - Products Expo, IL State Fairgrounds, Springfield

• March 6, 2024 - District Proficiencies

• March 8, 2024 - ICAE Meeting

• March 9, 2024 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Council Meeting, Springfield

• March 12, 2024 - Virtual IAVAT Board Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• March 13, 2024 - Tentative State Food Science CDE, SIU-Carbondale

• March 13, 2024 - CREW Meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• March 13-15, 2024 - Tentative National PAS Conference in Illinois

• March 20-24, 2024 - National MANRRS Conference, Chicago, IL

• March 22, 2024 - Mandatory Registration ENDS for State Dairy Cattle/Handlers CDE

• March 22-23, 2024 - State Officer Meeting

• March 23, 2024 - State Awards Day

• March 28, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closing at 12:30 p.m. for Holiday

• March 29, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closed for Good Friday

• April 2024 - Tentative State Dairy Foods CDE

• April 1, 2024 - National Chapter Application DUE

• April 5, 2024 - State Dairy Cattle/Handlers CDE

• April 5, 2024 - State Livestock Reasons Mandatory Registration CLOSES

• April 5, 2024 - State Horticulture CDE Mandatory Registration CLOSES

• April 5, 2024 - Early Bird Registration Ends for State Livestock Non-Reasons & State Poultry CDEs

• April 9, 2024 - Spring Middle School Conference Registration CLOSES & Food Allergies/Special Meals Form CLOSES for Spring Middle School Conferences

• April 10, 2024 - IAVAT Board Meeting, Tentative, IL FFA Center

• April 12, 2024 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Livestock, Horticulture, & Poultry CDEs to IL FFA Center 

• April 15, 2024 - Illinois Foundation FFA Annual Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• April 15, 2024 - Results Due for Parliamentary Procedure & Conduct of Chapter Meetings

• April 15, 2024 - Illinois FFA Agriscience Fair Applications DUE

• April 15, 2024 - Eldon Witt Student Teaching Scholarship Applications DUE

• April 16, 2024 - FFA Board Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• April 17, 2024 - State Ag Business Management Early Bird Registration Closes

• April 18, 2024 - State Ag Mechanics Mandatory Registration Closes & Results DUE

• April 18, 2024 - State Ag Mechanics CDE Waiver DUE

• April 19, 2024 - State Livestock & Poultry CDEs, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Stock Pavilion, 1402 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL

• April 19, 2024 - State Horticulture CDE, Parkland College, 2400 W Bradley Ave, Champaign, IL 61821

• April 23, 2024 - Virtual IAVAT Administrative Council Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• April 23, 2024 - Spring Middle School Conference, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 

• April 24, 2024 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Ag Mechanics CDE, Parliamentary Procedure, & Conduct of Chapter Meetings to IL FFA Center 

• April 24, 2024 - Spring Middle School Conference, Sauk Valley Community College, 173 IL-2, Dixon, IL 61021

• April 25, 2024 - Spring Middle School Conference, Rend Lake College, 468 North Ken Gray Pkwy, Ina, IL 62846

• April 27, 2024 - IL FFA State Officer Candidate Selection Committee, Springfield Tentative

• May 2024 - Tentative Illinois Envirothon, Allerton Park, 4-H Camp Ground, Monticello, IL

• May 1, 2024 - State Ag Business Management CDE, District Sites TBA

• May 2, 2024 - State Ag Mechanics CDE, Parliamentary Procedure, and Conduct of Chapter Meetings, Illinois Central College, East Peoria Campus, 1 College Dr, East Peoria, IL 61635

• May 10, 2024 - ICAE Meeting

• May 15, 2024 - Virtual IAVAT Board Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• May 15, 2024 - District Job Interview, District Public Speaking & Greenhand Quizbowl Section Results DUE

• May 21, 2024 - Virtual FFA Board Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• May 22, 2024 - FY25 Section Fair Contracts MANDATORY DUE

• May 24, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closing at 2:30 p.m. for Memorial Day Holiday

• May 27, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closed for Memorial Day Holiday

• May 28, 2024 - State Ag Issues CDE Mandatory Registration ENDS & Materials DUE

• May 28, 2024 - Job Interview & Public Speaking Materials DUE

• May 28-29, 2024 - State FFA Officer Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• May 29, 2024 - IL FFA Convention Business Session, Virtual

• June 7, 2024 - Ag Communications Mandatory Registration & Materials DUE to Lincoln Land Community College

• June 10, 2024 - Ag Communications & Ag Issues, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62703

• June 11-13, 2024 - State FFA Convention, BOS Center, Springfield, IL

• June 11, 2024 - Job Interview & Public Speaking LDEs at State FFA Convention

• June 12, 2024 - Greenhand Quizbowl, State FFA Convention

• June 13, 2024 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Raffle Drawing, 1:00 p.m.

• June 13-14, 2024 - State FFA Officer Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• June 17, 2024 - IAVAT Board & Section Chairs Meeting, SIU-Carbondale

• June 18-20, 2024 - IAVAT Conference, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

• June 2024 - Tentative IL FFA WLC Trip, Washington, D.C.

• July 2024 - Tentative IL FFA Leadership Camp, Allerton Park, 4-H Camp, Monticello

• July 3, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closing at 12:30 p.m. for Holiday

• July 4, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closed for 4th of July

• July 8-12, 2024 - State Officer Meeting