November 15, 2010 was an exciting and history making day for North Carolina---North Carolina Angus Association member and North Carolina native Joe Hampton, Back Creek, Mt. Ulla in Rowan County was elected President of the American Angus Association for 2011. Since November 2003, Joe has served on the American Angus Association board of directors, served as Treasurer, Vice President and now President. Congratulations Joe!!

NAILE is an exciting event especially with the election of Joe. Several North Carolina folks were busy showing cattle and attending Auxiliary events. Joe was busy attending meetings and Robin was involved with the Miss American Angus contest. There were always cattle shows going on to view, seminars other activities and a very large trade show. Sunday afternoon we attended the Board Candidates Information Forum. Each of the ten candidates spoke briefly and answered three questions presented to all the candidates. Sunday evening there was an Angus reception and many of the North Carolina group enjoyed dinner together.

Monday morning was spent preparing for the reception Joe and Robin were hosting in honor of Bill Davis, outgoing President. North Carolina State, Joe and Robin’s alma mater provided decorations; red and
white balloons and red tablecloths with the “Wolf”. What do you use to tie balloons when there’s no string—just ask Joyce Wall-- “dental floss”! “Got to Be NC” was the theme with many North Carolina products donated for the reception. We had Cheerwine, Pepsi products, North Carolina beer and wine; Mt Olive pickles, Mrs. Hanes cookies, lots of Roger Lane peanuts, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Extension Service and North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services favors (pens, key chains, mints), cheese, crackers, dips and fresh strawberries from the North Carolina Research Stations.

The Annual meeting was held Monday afternoon. North Carolina delegates were Joe Hampton, Ray
Brewer, Dean Crocker, Suzanne Brewer, Jim Scarlett, Robin Hampton and Emily Tennant. After Joe’s
nomination, alternate, Jim McCauley, replaced him. After six ballots, we finally chose the five new board
members who will serve for the next three years. Elected were: Kevin Yon, South Carolina; Leo McDonnell,
Montana; John Pfiffer, Oklahoma; John Harrell, Alabama and James Rentz, Ohio. After the meeting, a
banquet was held and various awards were presented. North Carolina delegation slipped out to finish
preparations before everyone converged on Joe and Robin’s suite for the reception. I think everyone
enjoyed the relaxing, down home North Carolina hospitality.

Congratulations Joe and Robin, it was an honor to be a part of this historic event!!