[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1270]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATORS OF TOMORROW CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LARRY COMBEST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 18, 2000

  Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National 
Agricultural Communicator of Tomorrow for celebrating 30 years. This 
organization, comprised of college students from across the nation, 
plays an important role in developing skills students need to excel in 
the communications field. ACT provides students with the opportunity to 
network with ag communications professionals and attend seminars and 
meetings to learn more about possible career choices. Individuals with 
an agricultural communications degree have the task of educating and 
informing the public about agriculture. As Chairman of the House 
Committee on Agriculture, I know firsthand the value of having such 
advocates and voices promoting American agriculture, and ACT gives 
students a chance to expand upon these abilities.
  Twenty-three students from seven universities formed ACT in July 1970 
at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Currently, ACT has grown to 
include 21 chapters with over 351 members nationwide, including a 
chapter in Puerto Rico.
  Many professional communication organizations support ACT. These 
``parent organizations'' provide guidance, act as mentors, and serve as 
a resource for students to utilize when looking for employment. The 
National ACT organization holds a national convention each year in 
conjunction with one of its parent organizations and is participating 
in the U.S. Agricultural Communicators Congress occurring in 
Washington, DC July 23-26. At the convention, students are given the 
opportunity to compete in contest categories such as black and white 
photography, feature story writing, page layout and design, video 
editing, and present a public relations campaign. These contests allow 
students the opportunity not only to compete, but to showcase their 
work to future employers.
  ACT has been instrumental in preparing our students for the future. 
As the population continues to grow and fewer people are involved with 
production agriculture, it is imperative that organizations like ACT 
play a prominent role in educating consumers. ACT members have the 
ability to inform the public about the value, diversity, and importance 
of American agricultural products in today's society.
  I want to recognize the National Agricultural Communicators of 
Tomorrow on their 30th birthday, applaud them for their outstanding 
achievements, and wish them continued success in all of their 
activities.

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