The NEAFA Board of Directors made the difficult decision to reschedule the 2021 Annual meeting and Golf for Good Works Tournament from June 23 – 25 to August 30 to September 1, 2021 at the Turning Stone Golf Club and Resort in Verona, NY. “The NEAFA conventions committee and the Board of Directors agreed that hosting an annual meeting and golf tournament this June would not allow us to meet in a manner that we are accustomed to”, stated Mark Anderson, NEAFA Conventions Committee Chair. “Physical distancing and restrictions are likely to remain in place through this July which would inhibit us from hosting a conference and golf tournament that allows the essential networking and meetings our events are well known for. We anticipate the opportunity to gather without strict social distancing requirements by the end of August.”
The event will include a welcome reception Monday evening on August 30th, followed by a day long annual meeting and forum Tuesday August 31st. The Golf for Good Works Tournament will be Wednesday September 1st. “The Golf for Good Works Tournament has been a marque event, where we raise funds for NEAFA’s Good Works Program,” said John Clark, NEAFA Board President and Good Works Committee Chair. “Our Good Works donations are completely funded through tournament proceeds, and we’ve donated over $120,000 to worthy causes over the past decade. Funds from the Good Works Program have supported youth in agricultural programs, agriculture leadership development, public/agriculture awareness initiatives such as “fun on the farm days” and the NYS Fair Birthing Center, along with outstanding farmer recognition programs.”
The Turning Stone is a world class resort/casino/golf club facility that will serve us well for this combined event. Traditionally held as separate events, the annual meeting and golf tournament has been combined due to the extraordinary circumstances presented by COVID-19. Turning Stone’s Shenendoah Golf Course offers 18 holes of PGA-level golf in a spectacular natural setting. The course was designed, constructed, and is maintained to PGA standards. In 2006, Turning Stone Resort’s Shenendoah Golf Club was host of the PGA National Club Professional Championship. Current list of accolades: 2018 Golfweek - Best Casino Courses, 2017 Casino Player Magazine - Best Golf Course in New York, 2018 Northeast Golf Magazine - Best in New York Golf - Public Courses (#7).
The Conventions Committee is excited to assemble nationally known speakers addressing provocative topics. The annual meeting will also feature a farmer panel, that will gather to talk about current challenges moving forward from the pandemic.
NEAFA would like to thank all our members for their continued support throughout the pandemic as we pursue goals that will make the agricultural industry and our communities a better place. We look forward to having the chance to gather again this August and September, and we hope to see you there.