|
|
|
Letter from the President |
February 2010
Hello!
We have just enjoyed another great meeting with truffle growers and enthusiasts in Winston-Salem, NC. It was our Fourth Annual meeting and each one just seems to get better. Our presenters were very knowledgeable and entertaining with widely varying topics. We heard from Laura Phelps President, American Mushroom Institute, who congratulated us on being such a congenial group. We heard from the attorney who has worked through the process of federally registering our service mark “NATGA,” David Sigmon. Our long-distance presenter, Dr. Jeanine Davis, NC State University Research Station in Waynesville, NC joined us by conference call since she couldn’t be there in person. The group enjoyed a video of Tim Terry’s truffle plantation in Tasmania and unanimously agreed that an annual meeting should be held there sometime. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. We were treated to a surprise guest, Dr. Efren Casales, who just happened to be attending the meeting from Duke University with his mychorrhiza presentation in hand. It was a very unique, well-rounded educational experience topped off with a wine tasting and delicious dinner enjoyed by members and friends of the organization.
We have a new Vice President, Craig Magill. Craig is a truffle farmer with a strong business and agricultural background. I think Jack Ponticelli was glad to be retiring from that position after bringing such a strong contribution to the organization over the last two years. Jack, we’re all glad we’ve still got Debbie (in a dual Secretary/Treasurer role for this year) so you have to stay close. Thanks again, Jack, for all you’ve done.
Our enduring thanks to Charles (Bud) Chaney as well for all his hard work as Treasurer of NATGA who retired from the position this year. We truly appreciate everything you did to get us started down the right track and missed your attention to detail as well as yours and Heather’s smiling faces this year at the meeting. We will continue to call on you for advice, Bud, and look forward to hearing about your progress both in and out of the truffle orchard. Once a member, always a member.
Our date is set for the summer meeting for 2010. We will again gather at the Walker Farm in Walnut Cove, NC on Saturday, August 14. Mark it on your calendars as I’m sure it will be a sell-out crowd.
Welcome to all the new members and my sincere thanks to all the faithful who continue to support NATGA and promote our mission and goals. I look forward to seeing you all at the 2nd Annual National Truffle Fest in Asheville at the end of February and again in August!
Think truffles!
Jane Morgan Smith, President
|
|
|
|
