Ag Society Releases Minutes of Nov 2 Meeting

The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, November 2, 2022, for their November monthly board meeting. Eleven directors and five guests were present.

Craig Stump, Board Vice President, called the meeting to order.

Amanda Raines, Hardin County OSU 4-H Educator, discussed a fair survey she had sent out to 900 people. She also stated there is a new Quality Assurance Training for Horse exhibitors, starting this year.

Correspondence was read from Loryn Elsasser, Zeb Wilson, and the Hardin County Recovery Court.

Craig Stump, Chairman of the Executive Committee, stated he will be setting a meeting date in November to discuss the 2023 budget for the Ag. Society. Contracts, bonuses, committee members and rental rates will also be discussed at this time. It was noted a new executive committee will be formed at the December Board Meeting.

Rob Wilson, representing the Ground’s committee, stated Winter storage continues at the new price of $30 a month for vehicles and $15 per linear foot for campers, boat trailers, etc. 10 trees were planted by New Leaf Landscaping. Those trees can be purchased for $300 by a family in memory or honor of someone. Judi Cronley passed out inventory sheets for directors to update for insurance purposes. Rob stated a new air compressor has been purchased and B-Sealed has sealed cracks in the roadways on the grounds. Discussion was then held on chairs and tables that need to be purchased for the community building. Directors agreed to purchase 40 vinyl chairs from Sam’s Club. The Directors also asked Judi to get a quote on folding chairs for the next board meeting.

Rob Wilson stated he attended a Racehorse meeting.

Jack McBride, Jr Fair Livestock Sale Chairman, stated Livestock Sale Premium Checks can be picked up until Friday, November 18th and that they need to be cashed by Nov. 30th, the end of the Ag. Society’s Fiscal Year. Checks can be picked up this Saturday, Nov. 5th from 3-6pm in the Fair Office and then Wednesday and Fridays from 9-4pm until the 18th. The Livestock Sale Committee Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 16th at 6pm and then the livestock committee meetings will meet at 7pm that same evening.

The JR Fair Board kids were commended by the SR Fair Board Members, on how well they worked during the 2022 fair.

Jake McFadden, sponsorship/advertising chairman, stated a meeting is scheduled this month, November 10th, to discuss their budget. He also stated this meeting will be held with the fair book committee, to discuss options for a fair book.

It was discussed that a Fair Sponsorship/volunteer dinner will be held Sunday, December 4th at 6pm in the Community Building.

Under old business:

JR Fair and Open Class Premium checks can still be picked up in the secretary office during business hours on Wednesday and Fridays 9-4pm until November 18th. All checks need to be cashed by the end of November.
It was announced that the Dist. 2 Fall meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Nov. 3rd at 7pm, at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds. The annual fair membership meeting and reorganizational meeting is scheduled for this Saturday, Nov. 5th at 7:30pm in the Community Building. The Annual Fair Board Director Election is scheduled for this Saturday, Nov. 5th from 3-7pm in the Fair Board Office. The appeal hearing minutes were approved. Rob Wilson discussed the reverse raffle fundraiser in more depth.

Under new Business:

Judi discussed a new fund, being made by board member Zach Rambo through his work, for new apparel purchases by board members. Receipts in the total amount of $100 per director, can be turned in to Judi for reimbursement. Jake McFadden discussed switching to a new online ticketing company for the 2023 fair. Directors agreed to switch to Hometown Ticketing for admission tickets. There will be a $2 credit card charge on all tickets purchased through this system. Kolt Buchenroth discussed a livestock buyer survey he conducted. There were 50 buyers who filled out the survey.

The next Fair Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 7th at 7pm in the Community Building.