By Den Gardner, Gardner & Gardner Communications
First, most of you know I play in a ‘60s and ‘70s horn rock/pop band Little Chicago. So, not surprising, after it sunk in that I had become a “Fellow of the AAEA” at the 2019 Ag Media Summit, I thought of a song.
Although Jackie DeShannon’s “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” was a protest song against the Vietnam War of the 1960s and 1970s, the lyrics at the beginning of the song struck me as a salute of sorts to what AAEA has meant to me. I first joined AAEA as an editor of a weekly farm association publication in the mid-1970s. From editorial positions at ag trade books to agency PR for companies like Ciba-Geigy (now Syngenta) and many others, that led to active membership, sitting on committees and being a board member. From there around 2000, we began to manage the association for 16+ years.
I think of all the fellows (men and women) who made the association what it is today as we near 100 years in 2020. It’s easy to say I don’t really miss the work so much, BUT I certainly miss the people. I shared the “Fellows” recognition this year with Kenna Rathai, an executive at broadhead now. I hired her as an intern many years ago and worked with her for about 20 years on Syngenta, and most importantly, as my partner on managing AAEA. We were the Sonny and Cher of AAEA. Sorry for the ‘60s reference (“I got you babe” come to mind?) She put up with me for most of those 20 years. That alone would qualify her as a “Fellow!”
The other “Fellow” was Steve Werblow. Wow. This guy’s photo would be next to any definition regarding loyalty, dedication, creativity and love for all things AAEA. I am proud to have been on international trips with him (ask him sometimes about the purse story from Brazil – maybe he has the photo somewhere). We’ve sat on committees together, shared many memories and few refreshments. This guy epitomizes what ag communications is about. I am proud to call him a friend and colleague in ag communications.
So, I’m humbled to be in the same room with these folks, much less share this recognition. And that doesn’t even begin to touch the hundreds of other members in this ag communications family that have made a mark in my life in so many positive ways. Too many “fellows,” not enough time. With four+ decades as an AAEA member, I can only say “thank you” for the innumerable memories you’ve allowed me to create and treasure.
Boy, did I get sidetracked. Back to Jackie DeShannon and the lyrics. It pretty much says it all regarding what I think of being a “Fellow” of AAEA.
Think of your fellow man
Lend him a helping hand
Put a little love in your heart
You see it’s getting late
Oh, please don’t hesitate
Put a little love in your heart
And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place
For you and me
You just wait and see
The people of AAEA have lent me a helping hand, made my little world a better place and put lots of love in my heart. Thank you for letting me be part of this amazing experience.