ACT is offering all members a rare opportunity: to join the national officer team and help plan the national convention in Portland, Oregon. Because of a resignation, the position of editor is open for the remainder of the 2005-2006 term. For more information and applications, go to the NACT Web site at http://nact.okstate.edu. A mail-in election will take place after the January 30 deadline for receiving applications.

Texas A&M University will host a career development seminar January 20, 21 and 22, 2005, in historical Fort Worth. All ACT chapters are invited and encouraged to attend this great networking opportunity. Topics covered by four guest speakers will include crisis management, congressional insights, international agriculture and advertising campaigns. The weekend also will include a Friday night social at Billy Bob’s and a trip to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Registration is expected to be approximately $30, and hotel prices for four people are expected to be approximately $60 per night. For more information, write TAMU chapter president Megan Knight at mknight@tamu.edu or adviser Deb Dunsford at ddunsford@tamu.edu.
 
The registration and hotel information now are available for the 2006 Professional Development Workshop, “Impacting Agriculture Together” at http://www.aged.tamu.edu/agjour/act/Index.htm.

Hello, ACT members!
My name is Julie Wetmore, and I am your National ACT president this year. I am a junior at the University of Arizona in Tucson majoring in Journalism and Studio Art. Currently, I like to hike, rock climb, and go dancing with friends. Although I did not grow up on farm or ranch, I have been affiliated with agriculture through many ways. My parents own an agriculturally related business testing the quality of feedstuffs for dairy owners and cattlemen throughout the United States. I also own a half-Arabian half-Saddlebred mare that I showed and did trail riding on. I also was an FFA member all four years of high school, and when I came to the university, I immediately looked for a club that combines both information technology and writing with agriculture. I found it in the National ACT organization, as you have also. For the past two years I have served as vice president and president of the UA chapter of ACT and have gained valuable experiences through this leadership position that have helped me throughout the beginnings of being a national officer.

I hope all our members this year will take it upon themselves to be aware of the many benefits available through this organization. Take a few minutes to browse our Web site, http://nact.okstate.edu. You will find links to grant monies your chapter can earn, to internships to apply for, to contact information for networking, to alumni information on you, the member, and I will do anything within my power to provide information, networking opportunities, and quality convention programming for the benefit of all of you. As always, please give us your suggestions, job postings, scholarship applications, and convention information. My primary goal this year is to increase the number of benefits our members receive from NACT. We are focused; concerns and compliments are always welcome. Don’t hesitate to e-mail me at jwetmore@email.arizona.edu. I hope you have a great school year and look forward to talking with you and meeting those of you who attend convention.

Sincerely,
Julie Wetmore
University of Arizona

Hello ACT Members!
My name is Ashley Woodward and I am a junior at Purdue University majoring in Agricultural Communications.  I grew up in a town just north of Indianapolis, Ind., called Noblesville.

Growing up I was a 10-year 4-H member.  I showed cattle, corn, soybeans, and hay.  Two years ago I became a 4-H club leader and remain active in the program.  I have shown Morgan horses since I was nine years old.  One of my biggest accomplishments was being named a Reserve World Champion in my division.  

At Purdue, I am actively involved in ACT serving as vice president.  I also am involved in the Purdue Young Farmers, and I am currently serving as chapter vice president and area co-director for the Indiana Young Farmers.

One of my biggest goals as being your ACT First Vice President is to increase the number of entries in the Critique and Contest.  I look forward to this year and wish all of you the best of luck in your studies.

Sincerely,
Ashley Woodward
Purdue University

Dear ACT Members and Advisers,
As we move into the year 2006, I am excited about serving as your national second vice president. The national officer team has been working hard to increase membership and to create worthwhile opportunities for our members.

My role on the officer team includes maintaining relationships with ACT Alumni and informing them of alumni opportunities. Also, I am responsible for sustaining the internship directory on the NACT Web site. Keep checking the directory as we update the internships available to ACT members.

If you need anything concerning these ACT areas, or any general information, feel free to e-mail me at kathryn.bolay@okstate.edu. I look forward to serving you throughout the year.

Sincerely,
Kathryn Bolay
Oklahoma State University

Howdy from Texas!

I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to meet so many of you this year. For those of you I didn't meet in San Antonio, I look forward to it in Fort Worth and Portland! As your Secretary/Treasurer, many of my duties involve correspondence and fundraising. My goal this year is to completely fill the Jim Evans Fund and raise plenty of funds for a great convention in Portland. For those chapters just starting out, the Jim Evans Fund may be the perfect way to begin on solid footing. Please be sure to check out the requirements and application form on the NACT Web site. Once again, I'm looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible, and Happy New Year!

Sincerely,
Megan Knight
Texas A&M University

ACT members and advisors:
It's time to start thinking about your entries for National ACT Critique and Contest.  You can earn recognition for all the hard work and time you have put into those projects throughout the past year.

The annual National ACT Critique and Contest provides students with the opportunity to have their work critiqued by industry professionals.  These people have a sound understanding of what the industry is looking for and can offer you advice in improving your communications skills.
    
Students need to begin preparing, as the deadline for all entries is April 1, 2006.
    
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the critique and contest, please feel free to write me at abwoodwa@purdue.edu or call me at (317)491-4333. Please visit the NACT Web site for an updated version of the Critique & Contest rules.

Sincerely,
Ashley Woodward
First Vice President