ARA Committees
ARA relies on its membership to ensure that the ag retailer is at the center of the association's policy priorities and educational programs.
The ARA Fall Board & Committee Meetings was held Sept. 11-13 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Registration is free for ARA members to attend these meetings. Network and play an active role in conversations steering the association's public policy priorities, member services, conference planning and more as an ARA Committee member.
Get Involved with ARA Committees
To get involved with ARA public policy, conference planning, and the services provided to our industry. Join an ARA Committee or Working Group!
Why Join an ARA Committee?
All ARA member representatives are encouraged to bring their varied industry expertise to the table to steer ARA public policy priorities, member services, content for the annual conference, and more in the direction that benefits the ag retail industry most.
By joining one or more ARA Committees or Working Groups, you will expand your professional network and build new professional experiences.
If you're an ARA member interested in joining a Committee or Working Group, or if you know someone on your team who should get involved, fill out the form linked below.
If you have any questions, email Andrea Mowers at andrea@aradc.org.
ARA Committees
All ARA members are encouraged to join one of the ARA Committees below (excluding those open to board members only). ARA Committees typically meet in-person twice a year: in February, in September, and in December during the annual ARA Conference & Expo.
See below for the main responsibilities of each ARA Committee.
ARA Working Groups
See below for the main responsibilities of each ARA Working Group. Note: some groups may be inactive due to lack of policy updates.
Contact
Andrea Mowers, Director Communications and Member Experience
Winter Meeting Recap
Read about the 90+ ARA members and industry partners who met with 120 Congressional offices and collaborated in committee meetings about main aspects of the association during the ARA Winter Board Meeting & Legislative Fly-In.
ARA Committees
The ARAPAC Committee is the nonpartisan Political Action Committee (PAC) of the Association with a mission to increase political involvement among ARA members by raising funds from members around the nation and to help federal candidates who support ARA's legislative and regulatory mission on Capitol Hill with federal agencies. Responsibilities include:
- Overseeing contributions
- Promoting funding with ARA members
- Expanding fundraising.
Contact hunter@aradc.org for more information.
The Audit Committee usually meets at the winter board meeting with the auditor, and may also meet at the fall meeting or by conference call as needed. Responsibilities include:
- Selecting the firm to conduct the annual audit of ARA financial statements
- Reviewing the audit with the firm when it is complete
- Presenting results to the Board of Directors
Contact dcoppock@aradc.org for more information.
The Conference Planning Committee is responsible for making sure that the annual ARA Conference & Expo is a “must-attend” meeting for retailers and suppliers. Responsibilities include:
- Planning the annual conference with an emphasis on content, structure and site selection
- Conducting on-site planning meeting in January or February before conference
Contact bryna@aradc.org for more information.
The Committee usually meets at the winter board meeting with the investment advisor, and may also meet at the fall meeting or by conference call as needed. Responsibilities include:
- Supervising the investment of ARA financial reserves
- Setting parameters for ARA investments
Contact dcoppock@aradc.org for more information.
The Member Services Committee meets at the winter and fall board meetings, and may hold other meetings or conference calls as necessary. Responsibilities include:
- Overseeing ARA membership recruitment and retention
- Supervising the services and products offered to members
Contact dtaylor@aradc.org for more information.
The Nominating Committee is responsible for recruiting ARA Board Members, Officers, and members on the Executive Committee. The Committee offers its recommendations at the Fall Board meeting; new directors and officers are seated at the annual conference and take office on January 1. Responsibilities include:
- Recruiting ARA board members annually
- Presenting the slate of nominees to the board for approval
- Offering recommendations at the Fall Board Meeting
Contact dcoppock@aradc.org for more information.
The Public Policy Committee is responsible for developing and proposing to the Board the public policy positions of the Association and for evaluating ARA’s progress in achieving those policy goals. This Committee meets at the winter and fall board meetings, and may hold other meetings or conference calls as necessary. Responsibilities include:
- Developing and proposing ARA policy priorities and positions to the ARA Board for approval
- Evaluating ARA's progress in achieving policy goals
Contact richard@aradc.org for more information.
ARA Working Groups
ARA's newest working group with the ultimate goal of forming policy priorities for ARA to share with lawmakers and regulators in the near future. This working group was established once a need was identified by the ARA Board of Directors and Committee members. Contact hunter@aradc.org for more information.
Advises ARA on the establishment of voluntary Best Management Practices (BMPs) for retailers to utilize in the application of crop input materials (both fertilizer and pesticides) to ensure sustainable and productive agricultural land. Contact hunter@aradc.org for more information.
An adjunct of the Public Policy Committee, this group advises and informs ARA’s efforts on the Farm Bill, including conservation programs and crop insurance provisions. Contact hunter@aradc.org for more information.
An adjunct of the Public Policy Committee, this group advises and informs ARA’s efforts on transportation issues, including the Hours of Service waiver/exemption, HAZMAT transportation, nurse tank regulations, credentialing, etc. Contact richard@aradc.org for more information.
An adjunct of the Public Policy Committee, this group advises and informs ARA’s effort on the agricultural workforce, immigration and health related issues primarily related to the U.S. Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Contact richard@aradc.org for more information.
An adjunct of the Public Policy Committee, this group advises and informs ARA’s efforts on financial issues, including the Estate Tax, 2001 & 2003 tax cuts, pension reform, etc. Contact hunter@aradc.org for more information.
An adjunct of the Policy Committee, this group advises and informs ARA’s effort on security related issues, primarily related to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program. This group would also review for new or existing security programs and technologies that would help retailers address security related issues at their facilities. Contact richard@aradc.org for more information.
An adjunct of the Public Policy Committee, this group advises and informs ARA on efforts related to biotechnology, seeds environmental, stewardship, and conservation efforts with regards to pesticide, nutrient and precision technology use under FIFRA, the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act, and NRCS programs. Contact richard@aradc.org for more information.