Stay Informed

It sounds like a simple idea: “Each year in September or November, we invite all Tippecanoe County local officials and their spouses to join us for dinner,” said Corina Brant, president of the Tippecanoe County Farm Bureau.

But despite its simplicity, the result of the dinner is stronger relationships between local government and the county Farm Bureau, she explained.

“Members have the opportunity to build relationships with their local elected officials and to learn more about their roles,” said Laura Ruhlman, executive director of field operations for Indiana Farm Bureau.

Tippecanoe County has been hosting this dinner for more than 10 years, and the basic premise has remained the same in all that time. There’s no agenda, no true speeches, no campaigning – just dinner and dialogue.

“The goals of this meeting are to continue to allow open dialogue with officials on a local level, help us plan policies we should look at for the following year, and show support to the officials as well,” Brant said.

There are no hot topics or specific agenda items, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere that encourages genuine conversations shared around the dinner table. According to Brant, attendees walk away feeling more informed and engaged with their community.

For this program, Tippecanoe County received one of Indiana Farm Bureau’s 2023 County Activities of Excellence awards in the “advocating” category.

“I find the event super valuable,” said Brant, adding that it’s an opportunity to meet with elected officials and to hear what they are excited about for the next year.

“It’s a really great way for us to support them,” Ruhlman added.

“The dinner is a great example of how collaboration and community engagement locally can promote our mission to protect and enhance the future of agriculture and our communities,” said Marissa Mikel, the regional manager whose district includes Tippecanoe County.

A toolkit providing specific information about how to organize a similar event can be found on INFB’s website.