COLLEGE CORNER, Ohio — American Agri-Women (AAW) will host its annual convention at Hueston Woods Lodge and Convention Center Nov. 6-8 – the Ohio Agri-Women affiliate is hosting this year’s convention, which will kick-off a yearlong 40th anniversary celebration.

“Our goal is to come together as members to learn about agriculture and develop communications for the public,” said Lauren Schwab, Ohio Agri-Women communications chair.  “Our convention theme this year is ‘Bridging the Path from Farm To Fork.’ We’re trying to help our members to educate themselves on how they can share their story, to further educate the public about agriculture.”

“We invite anyone interested in agriculture and food issues to join us,” said Sue McCrum, AAW president.

The Convention is open to members and non-members. There will be business meetings, officer elections, tours and an awards ceremony. Speakers include:

•Tim Derickson, state representative from Ohio’s 53rd District. Derickson will open the program portion of the convention and welcome visitors.

•Lindsay (Bowman) Sankey, a blogger, will give tips for sharing stories and advocacy messages through blogging. Her blog is “Jean’s Boots are Made for Talking.”

•Lori Firsdon, owner of Forte Organizers, will share organizational tips for homes and offices.

•Heather Dulle, regional vice president at Protective Life, will cover three lifetime income sources in retirement, Social Security, pensions and annuities.

•Corrine Alexander, Purdue University grain marketing specialist, will discuss grain marketing and storage strategies in commodity and specialty markets.

•Larry Gearhardt, Ohio State University extension specialist and director of the OSU tax credit schools, will present on the topic “Should I Buy That Tractor?”

•Kristin Reese, owner of Local Flavor Foods, a catering company, will explain how she uses social media to share messages about locally grown food.

•Julie Borlaug, assistant director of partnerships for the Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture at Texas A&M and granddaughter of the late Dr. Norman E, Borlaug, will discuss how she builds partnerships to further the Borlaug legacy and expand on his mission to feed the world’s hungry.

The AAW is a grassroots organization founded in 1974, McCrum said. It has 55 state affiliates and about 40,000 members across the United States. It has grown to become the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women.

“We see ourselves as a communication and education forum,” she added. “We discuss policies that are being taken up by our legislators and the regulations that are taking place within our county, state and nationally.”

“Our land is our legacy, along with our children,” said McCrum, who is part of a fifth-generation Maine potato farm. “I think it is important to get that story out.”

For detailed information, go online to www.americanagriwomen.org