The Agri-Business Educational Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is pleased to announce that Charleston/Orwig is the first to make a major contribution to the Foundation’s recently developed fundraising program targeting Ag advertising agencies — A.S.A.P. (Agencies Supporting ABEF Programs). The $5,000 initial gift will be used to help support ABEF college student scholarships, the National Student NAMA Marketing Competition, and other programs benefiting students and young professionals in ag marketing. “We’re very pleased to play a part in helping this Foundation that continues to support so many in the ag marketing industry,” said Lyle Orwig, Charleston/Orwig CEO.

Mick Sibbel, Chair of the Board of Trustees for ABEF, commented, “The A.S.A.P. initiative was developed to bring ag ad agencies together to build financial support while becoming advocates for ABEF. Charleston/Orwig’s commitment to the program is a great first step.”

Agencies who sign up for A.S.A.P. follow certain guidelines in support of ABEF. In addition to an unrestricted gift to the Foundation ($500 to $100,000), agencies agree to provide information about ABEF to clients, employees, and suppliers, asking for their financial support of the Foundation. Agencies may also match employee contributions.

“We’re challenging all other ag marketing and advertising agencies to join us with A.S.A.P. We truly need to develop the next leaders in ag. ABEF is great way to do so,” states Orwig.

Interested agencies can get more information about ABEF and A.S.A.P. by contacting Michael Gustafson, Deer’s Landing Communications, at 217-251-3659 ([email protected]) or Jenny Pickett at the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) office at 913-491-6500 ([email protected]).

ABOUT ABEF

Established in 1991 by members of the National Agri-Marketing Association. ABEF – the Agribusiness Educational Foundation – is a 501(c))3 non-profit foundation with the mission to help provide financial support, learning opportunities, and professional networking experience to students and entry-level employees in marketing and communications for agri-business.

We do this by working exclusively with and through the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA), the nation’s largest professional association for professionals in marketing and Agri-business. With our focus on NAMA and NAMA Student Chapters, we can provide college scholarships, financially support a national Student Marketing Competition, provide materials and seminars for leadership training, and offer support and guidance for internships, all with a primary focus on the business of agriculture.

ABOUT ABEF VISION2020

VISION2020 is a new initiative that seeks to raise up to $4 million over the next 10 years for college student scholarships, student and young professional development programs, and support of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) Student Program. Funding may also be made available for outreach to high school juniors and seniors, promoting careers in Ag business, marketing and communications.