By Holly Spangler, AAEA The Byline Editor
Inexplicably, it’s September 2017, which means AAEA has marked an entire year with our new management company, ASG – and a year with outstanding staff members Samantha Kilgore and Courtney Jackson. We decided to take the moment to catch up with them and reflect on this first year doing life with AAEA.
Holly: What’s resonated most with you in this first year?
Samantha: I knew AAEA was an active organization, but now having been a part of those plans and met with committees, I am humbled at how intentional this association is to try to meet the most needs of its membership. Not only are we reaching out to young professionals, we’re honoring the legacy of seasoned vets, partnering with college students to help give them a good start through scholarships, and many other things.
Courtney: I’ve observed how dedicated everyone is to the industry and association. Many members have been a part of AAEA for over 20 years. That is a testament to their commitment and the countless hours of work they’ve put in to making this notable organization a success. Devoted members are the reason AAEA has such longevity – and as we reach 100 years, it’s the reason I’m sure AAEA will be around for 100 more.
Holly: What has surprised you about AAEA?
Samantha: In becoming more familiar with some of our members and connecting on social media, I’m surprised at how similar our backgrounds are! I look at Facebook pictures of our members at county fairs with their kids who show cows and hogs and think, “Hey, I did that, too!” It makes me feel even more at home with this group.
Courtney: I had heard of AAEA in college because of the scholarships that were available, but I didn’t research the organization beyond that. Because of my ignorance, I was surprised at how robust the association truly is, and the magnitude of how much AAEA gives back to its members and ag media professionals in general. I’m still learning about all of the different ways the organization continues to give back, and I’m excited to witness our board and committee members constantly think of more ways to do so!
Holly: AAEA has broken ground in a lot of places this year. Obviously, we get excited about various programs as members, but as staff, what are you all most excited about and proud of?
Samantha: Special Interest Groups. You might have seen or heard one of the series of webinars the Young Professional Taskforce hosted this year. They have already planned 3 more before the end of the year. And speaking of, the YPT is one of the initial groups within our membership that encouraged the movement of special interest groups for AAEA, and I’m excited to see how more of those evolve.
Courtney: I’m very excited about the new website. A website is one of the first places people go to for information, and with an updated look, I feel we will start to see some new faces. I hope it can be one of the leading factors that help people decide to become members as they browse and see the many programs, resources, learning, and networking opportunities AAEA has available.
Holly: What’s the most fun thing you’ve seen come out of AAEA this year?
Courtney: Ag Media Summit—hands down. This was my first year attending! Even though I was on the backend, I had a blast and I enjoyed seeing others have a great time even more!
Samantha: What she said! This was my second Summit, and it’s fun to put our work as a staff team in motion at these events, replace email conversation with face-to-face interaction, and get work done for the association, together, in person.
Holly: We’re embarking on year two now with AAEA and ASG; what are you looking forward to?
Samantha: Not being so new! Courtney and I are here to help AAEA reach its goals. I will always enjoy learning, but having one year of programs and understanding under our belt will only help us be able to think more proactively and anticipate AAEA’s needs more effectively. It’s been an awesome first year, and we are excited about the second!
Courtney: I agree. Year one has been a great learning experience and there will always be more to learn and improve upon, but I am looking forward to applying the knowledge I’ve gained from all of AAEA’s moving parts to maximize our potential and spread the word. AAEA is a great organization with so much to offer ag media professionals.