WyFB awards membership work

Dedication and passion for agriculture and the county Farm Bureau Federations in Wyoming are two leading drivers in membership work. The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) annually recognizes individuals who share the message and thus grow and retain membership.  

The 2021 Outstanding Membership Worker awards were presented Nov. 12 in Cody: Chelsea Baars of Niobrara County, Volunteer; Pierre Etchemendy of Converse and Niobrara counties, Agent; and Lori Geiss of Campbell County, County Office Staff. 

Chelsea Baarsis a Niobrara County rancher who serves as the Niobrara County Farm Bureau Federation president.  She is also a former state chair of the WyFB Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R) Committee. 

During the Federation’s centennial year, Baars brought an idea to increase Century Club Members through a challenge to individuals and county Farm Bureau Federation boards.  She also spearheaded an innovative idea for membership involvement through the YF&R Committee called the County Involvement Four-Step Program. 

“Chelsea strives to share the work of the Farm Bureau Federation in everything she does and is a dedicated volunteer leader,” said WyFB President Todd Fornstrom.

Pierre Etchemendy is an agent with Mountain West Farm Bureau Insurance with offices in Converse and Niobrara counties. According to WyFB Membership Coordinator Brooke Roes, Etchemendy continually works on membership acquisition and retention for the county Farm Bureau Federations in Converse and Niobrara counties. He also supports the work of the county Farm Bureau Federations at board meetings and annual meetings.

Lori Geiss, of Campbell County, works in the Farm Bureau Insurance office of Becky Pearson in Gillette. She serves as the membership secretary of the Campbell County Farm Bureau Federation. According to Roes, Geiss is very organized, attends Atlas trainings and asks membership questions when needed.  

“We appreciate the work Pierre and Lori do to share the federation’s work for agriculture and all of Wyoming,” Fornstrom said.  “Their dedication to sharing the rewards of membership in the federation is appreciated.”