The North Carolina Chapter enjoyed another National Agricultural Leadership Conference on April 7^th-9^th in Ithaca, New York at Cornell University.  Rebekah Ray began organizing fundraising efforts as soon as she was appointed NALC committee chair. She and her committee sent letters out to alumni or organizations, helped our chapter receive a CHS grant, and made it possible for alumni to make online donations. The night before leaving, brothers gathered to decorate our banner with the "Locally Grown, Nationally Known” theme. We left campus around 2am on the 7^th and enjoyed the scenic fifteen-hour drive. The brothers had a great time meeting folks from other chapters, learning about their traditions and how they differed from North Carolina.  Participants of the conference were able to attend excellent tours and professional development seminars.  Some of North Carolina’s members had the opportunity to play with goats at local farms, while others visited dairy farms and saw a necropsy at Cornell’s Vet School.  The professional development seminars included an officer roundtable and recruitment ideas led by members of the high council.  Brothers enjoyed workshops about New York’s Wine Industry and Yogurt Industry. Wonderful food was provided throughout the trip from Chobani yogurt to sheep cheese. At the banquet, North Carolina was proud to be recognized with Middaugh awards for Promotion of Agriculture and Fundraising We appreciate the hard work of the Cornell Chapter for organizing the conference and cannot wait to visit Iowa State next year!

On February 15, the executive officers of our chapter attended the A. D. White Leadership Conference. The conference consisted of a keynote speaker who discussed the identities of the true leaders of an organization as well as what makes the best leader. The overall goal of his talk was how we, as leaders, sometimes have restrictions, which may include tradition, habit, or conflict, that prevent the accomplishment of our goals. Following his address, two rounds of workshops were attended. The workshops covered a wide range of topics, from alumni relations, recruitment, safety, member involvement, to the specific knowledge and skills required to host events or manage a budget. The information gained from this conference will allow our officers to advance our chapter to a greater standing by the end of their term.

April 12^th and 13^th, North Carolina State University hosted their annual Relay For Life on Greek Field.  The service committee notified the chapter of the event date at the beginning of the semester. Brothers registered online and paid signed up for two-hour shifts between 6pm on Friday and 6am on Saturday. Each brother raised at least $10 to participate. Seventeen brothers walked around the track in hopes to raise money for cancer research.  As an on-site fundraiser we brought baked goods and drinks to sell.  In total, we raised about $600 for The American Cancer Society. Relay for Life is always a great opportunity for brothers to spend time together and network with other university organizations.

Leslie is a recent graduate of NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine and has started Tarheel Mobile Veterinary Services in Sparta, NC.  She spoke with forty active brothers and five alumni on Wednesday, April 10^th.  Leslie was very active in the North Carolina Chapter and served as chronicler. She discussed her career, vet school and how AZ has impacted her life. Brothers had an opportunity to ask questions. The alumni speaker series is a great opportunity to network with alumni in various fields. It also highlights the accomplishments of some of our talented alumni.

https://www.facebook.com/TarheelVet?ref=ts&fref=ts

Every year, the Student Organization Resource Center hosts a Housing Fair on campus. Housing companies bring information and free giveaways for students. SORC invited the North Carolina Chapter to participate as student ambassadors for the fair on Wednesday April 3^rd.  Eight brothers worked two-hour shifts between 8am and 3pm.  The chapter will receive a $400 minimum stipend for assisting with the event. Brothers got to know students in other agricultural organizations such as Poultry Science Club, Sigma Alpha and Young Farmers and Ranchers. During the morning shift, brothers transferred vender display items and giveaways to the brickyard. They afternoon groups packed up vendor items and picked up trash. Brothers also answered questions for venders and students.  The housing fair was a great opportunity to the chapter to get involved with campus activities while doing some fundraising.