The 2014 National FFA Convention & Expo continues the second year of its three-year run in Louisville Oct. 29. More than 60,000 FFA members from throughout the United States are expected at this year’s convention and expo that goes through Nov. 1.
The convention and expo will bring an estimated economic impact of $40 million, making it the largest convention and expo for Louisville this year. Attendees will stay in 136 hotels for a combined 39,247 nights within a 60-mile radius of Louisville. The event will stay in Louisville through 2015 before returning to Indianapolis for three years.
“Go All Out” is the theme of this year’s convention and expo. “With the opportunities we are given in our lives, we must take action. We must give it our all and put everything we have into everything we do,” 2013-2014 National FFA President Brian Walsh, a Virginia Tech student, said. “We must go all out to develop positive leadership, personal growth and career success.”
Nine general sessions will draw FFA members together at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The FFA National Band will be marching under the direction of Emily Standley from the Missoula chapter who was chosen as Drum Major. Both she and another Montana FFA member, Seth Foster, earned first chair honors in the band this year. Seth will also be announcing on stage the songs the band will be playing.
Throughout the week, students will attend more than 85 leadership and personal growth workshops. FFA members will also tour industry destinations, including Papa John’s international headquarters, Ford’s Louisville assembly plant, Churchill Downs and more.
FFA members will also participate in community-service initiatives throughout the week. Students will help beautify the city, volunteer at a local food bank, harvest and distribute locally grown produce, package meals for families in need, and more.
Local Results reported on the FFA in the West Twitter for Oct 30
Congratulations to #MontanaFFA's 3 star National Chapter winner, Flathead being recognized in today's 2nd general session! #goFFA
Congrats to #MontanaFFA's Shepherd Chapter; top 3 national finalist in Agriscience Power, Structural, and Technical Systems Division IV!
Congrats to @WyomingFFA's Casper Chapter; top 3 national finalist in Agriscience Power, Structural, and Technical Systems Division I!
American FFA Degree
The American FFA Degree is awarded to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA. This year 3,765 members will be recognmized. The American FFA Degree ceremony will broadcast live on RFD-TV and stream live on iHigh on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 7:45 a.m. ET. Recipients will be named in reverse state order during the 2014 ceremony, beginning with recipients from Wyoming and concluding with Alabama.
CLICK HERE to see the list of recipients. 172 FFA members will be recognized from Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Source: National FFA Organization, FFA in the West and Montana FFA Alumni
Posted by Jami Howell
