YEARLY SUMMARIES
The following yearly summaries include only a few of the facts and activities of the state and national organization. Each member and instructor who participated in those events needs to add their own experiences and involvement to make them more memorable.
1978-1979
The first state conference for the post-secondary agricultural students in Iowa’s area schools was hosted by Kirkwood Community College on February 23-24, 1979 at the Ramada Inn in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The theme was “I’d Like to Get to Know You”. The conference consisted of workshops on the importance of leadership skills in agricultural occupations, business and industry tours, and an organizational business meeting. The first state officer team was elected which consisted of a president, a secretary, a reporter, and three committee members.
The National Post-Secondary Agricultural Students held it’s first official National Conference in Kansas City, Missouri at the Continental Hotel on April 3-5, 1979. Its theme was “Business – Education – Recreation”. Over 250 students, instructors, state leaders, and business/industry representatives signed a proclamation for the development and adoption of Articles of Incorporation and as soon as possible the obtaining of a Federal Charter.
1979-1980
At the March 9, 1979 officer meeting, the newly elected officer team adopted the state name of the organization ACT - “Agricultural Career Training of Iowa “. Goals and activities for the organization were also identified
ACT held its first State Fall and Industry Rally at Camp Hantesa in Boone, Iowa on November 15-16, 1979. The theme was “Success – You in Industry”. The two-day event included speakers, and workshops on personal leadership qualities, and a Casino night.
The second State Leadership Conference, the first as ACT of Iowa, was held at the Holiday Inn in Ottumwa, Iowa on February 14-15, 1980. Indian Hills Community College hosted the conference. The theme was “Leadership Is Profitable”. The conference consisted of discussion groups on leadership development skills and tours of the Ottumwa area. The election of officers consisted of President, Secretary-Treasurer and four Zone Vice Presidents (replacing the Committee and Reporter).
The second National PAS Leadership conference was held in Kansas City, Missouri at the Continental Hotel on March 24-27, 1980. The theme for the conference was “Job Placement”. The members of the 70 institutions present signed the National PAS Charter. The PAL/PEER Program was adopted.
The Iowa membership consisted of 1050 members from nine colleges.
1980-1981
The newly elected ACT Officer team developed a “State ACT Information Bulletin” during the February 29, 1980 officer meeting. It was published and made available to the members in March./p>
In the fall of 1980, The Act of Iowa hosted four Zone Fall Rallies during the months of October and November. These rallies, so located to better meet the individual colleges’ needs, consisted of workshops on leadership techniques, and organizational activities.
Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa hosted the spring ACT of Iowa Leadership Conference February 11-12, 1981. The theme for the conference was “Jobs of the 80’s”. The conference included a trade fair, speakers, competitive events and tours of Ankeny and Des Moines. The delegate assembly adopted the first Constitution and Code of Ethics.
The National Post-Secondary Agricultural Students Organization Leadership Conference was held March 24-26, 1981 at the Continental Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri. It was the first year for the Avenue of the Flags and Employment Interview event. The theme was “Partners in Agri-Leadership”.
1981-1982
On July 23-24, 1981, the ACT of Iowa Officers conducted a two-day organizational planning workshop at Colfax Interfaith Center in Colfax, Iowa. Key activities included adopting Rust and Buff as the state colors and adopting the organizational patch.
The ACT of Iowa Fall Rally was held at the Colfax Interfaith Center in Colfax, Iowa on September 17-18, 1981. The theme was “It’s up to you in ‘82”. The Rally consisted of speakers, industry expectation groups and personal development seminars. The newly designed new button patch was used for the first time.
During the December 12, 1981 officer/senate meeting, the first ACT of Iowa Newsletter was developed.
Using the state and national theme, “It’s up to you in’82”, the state ACT of Iowa Leadership Conference was hosted by Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on February 4-5, 1982. The conference consisted of tours, competitive events, a movie night, entertainment, and a business meeting.
On March 30-31, April 1, 1982, the National Post-Secondary Agricultural Students National Conference was held at the Holiday Inn in Moline, Illinois. It was the first conference held outside of Kansas City. The first Public Speaking event was conducted. The theme was “It’s Up to You in 82”.
1982-1983
The summer officer meeting was held July 22-23, 1982 at the Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp in Story City, Iowa. The objective for the two days was to develop a promotion program on the benefits of PAS for business/industry as well as for potential members. A slide presentation and a brochures was developed.
The ACT of Iowa held its Fall Rally at the Colfax Interfaith Center in Colfax, Iowa. The theme was “Building America’s Agriculture Today”. It was held October 18-19, 1982. The program consisted of a leadership session on the PAL-PEER program, communications, and employee success followed by a Beef Cookout.
The Spring ACT of Iowa Leadership Conference was held at the Starlite Village Motel in Ames, Iowa on February 24-25, 1983 and was hosted by Ellsworth Community College. The theme was “Building America’s Agriculture Today”. The conference consisted of competitive events, speakers, tours in the Ames area, and workshops. The Constitution was updated by changing Article VII, which dealt with hosting the spring conference.
The Howard Johnson Hotel in Sioux Falls, South Dakota was the site of the National Post-Secondary Agricultural Students Organizational Leadership Conference, March 21-24, 1983. Iowa competed in all of the competitive events. There was a change of name and logo to “PAS” in an oval. It followed the conference theme “A Link to the Past: A Step toward the Future”.
1983-1984
The new officer team met on July 20-21, 1983 at Camp Hantesa, Boone, Iowa. The primary business was to update the constitution and by-laws with the PAS name change and adopt an official dress code.
The ACT of Iowa Fall Rally was held at Camp Hantesa, Boone Iowa. It was held October 4-5, 1983. The theme for the year was “PAS–PORT to Your Future”. The conference consisted of speakers, tours, organizational sessions, and a Pig Roast followed by a dance.
At the January 5, 1984 Officer/Senate meeting in Ankeny, certificates of recognition and appreciation along with officer election procedures and competitive event changes were adopted.
The Spring PAS of Iowa Spring Leadership Conference was held at the Holiday Inn in Cedar Falls, Iowa on February 2-3, 1984. Hawkeye Institute of Technology served as the host. Activities consisted of workshops on key elements to success, salesmanship, competitive events and tours. The theme was “PAS-PORT to Your Future”.
Iowa was king of the hill in 1984. It hosted its first National Post-Secondary Agricultural Student Organization Conference on March 26-29 1984. The Stouffer’s Five Season Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa was the sight. The theme was “Uniting Education and Industry in Agriculture”. The old and the new PAS of Iowa officer teams worked extra hard in making sure that the events, seminars and tours were a success. Over 400 attended this conference.
1984-1985
“International Agriculture: The Iowa Connection” was the theme for the PAS of Iowa Fall Rally held at the Interfaith Center in Colfax, Iowa on October 23-24, 1984. The workshops and tours dealt with Iowa’s relationships with international agriculture. A Hawaiian Luau was held the first night.
Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa hosted the Spring PAS of Iowa Leadership Conference. It was held on February 13-14, 1985 and continued with the theme “International Agriculture: The Iowa Connection”. Besides the competitive events, seminars on global affairs and tours made up the conference. The Constitution was updated changing the name from Act of Iowa to PAS of Iowa.
Southern hospitality was in store for Iowa as the National PAS Conference was held at the Coliseum Ramada Inn in Jackson, Mississippi March 19-21, 1985. It included a catfish fry, tours of catfish farming and rice plantations along with the competitive events and seminars. It was the first time a national conference was not held in a neighboring state. The theme was “Come Alive in 85”.
The Iowa membership was 735 from seven colleges.
1985-1986
Story City, Iowa and the Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp was the campground for the Officer/Senate PAS planning meeting. This June 11-12, 1985 meeting dealt with making the investment into the future through PAS and techniques to accomplish goals.
Springbrook Education Center in Guthrie Center, Iowa was the sight of the PAS Fall Rally. The two-day conference was held October 16-17, 1985 and dealt with curriculum and natural resources/conservation tours. The theme was “Charting the Challenge”.
Iowa Lakes Community College hosted the Spring PAS of Iowa Leadership Conference on February 4-5, 1986. Lake Okoboji Resort provided a great setting for the two-day conference. “Charting the Challenge” was a great theme as activities included competitive events, business and industry workshops, and the enjoyments of a resort. Updated the constitution with change in logo to include the PAS in an Oval enclosed by the State of Iowa.
“Way up North” to the Doublewood Inn in Bismarck, North Dakota we traveled to attend the National PAS Conference March 17-21, 1986. “Uniting Education and Industry In Agriculture” was the theme of the conference, which included two new competitive events, Ag Machinery Technician and College Bowl, along with seminars and unique tours of North Dakota agriculture.
1986-1987
The Conservation Center at Springbrook State Park in Guthrie Center, Iowa was the sight of the officer summer workshop. It was held June 30-July 1, 1986. Emphasis was local PAS club officer development.
The PAS Fall Conference was held at Springbrook Education Center in Guthrie Center, Iowa on September 23-24, 1986. The theme for the year was “(P)articipation, (A)ction, (S)uccess”. The emphasis of the conference was officer/member leadership development, and topics and tours on conservation.
The Spring PAS Leadership Conference was hosted by Hawkeye Institute of Technology at the Holiday Inn in Cedar Falls, Iowa on February 4-5, 1987. It continued with the Theme “Participation, Action, Success.” The activities included competitive events, seminars, tours and a night at the Greyhound Park.
It was truly a “PAS-port to the Future” as many Iowa PAS members experienced their first airplane flight as Spokane, Washington hosted the National PAS Leadership Conference at Cavanaugh’s Motor Inn on March 15-18, 1987. Iowa competed in all the events, provided an Iowa Hospitality Room, and took part in the one-day state of Washington tour.
1987-1988
July 21-22, 1987, the PAS of Iowa Officer/Senate team conducted a Summer Leadership Conference at Camp Ewalu in Strawberry Point, Iowa to enhance local college organizations by providing training for local club officers and members.
Hawkeye Institute of Technology in Waterloo, Iowa became the first college to host an on campus PAS Fall Rally which was held on September 20-22, 1987. It consisted of personal and technical seminars, a night at the National Cattle Congress, and business and industry tours. The theme selected for the year was “Planning for Progress”.
During the November 4, 1987 Officer/Senate meeting, a committee was appointed to look into forming a PAS Business and Industry Advisory Committee.
Hawkeye Institute of Technology and Kirkwood Community College co-hosted the Spring PAS Leadership Conference at the Five-Season Stouffers Hotel in Cedar Rapids on February 4-5, 1988. The conference continued with the theme “Planning for Progress.” The College Bowl was added to the competitive events. The conference also included tours and seminars. By-Law changes dealt with the logo to include to a Rising Sun, and change to four Vice Presidents at Large.
Green Bay, Wisconsin was the host of the ninth National PAS conference. It was held at the Embassy Suites on March 13-15, 1988. Iowa hosted a hospitality room, competed in competitive events and attend the tours and seminars. The theme was “Participation + Action = Success”. David Blecha received the prestigious National PAS Outstanding Advisor award.
1988-1989
A Summer Leadership Conference was held at the Madrid 4-H Camp in Madrid, Iowa for local officers and members. It consisted of seminars and workshops for improving leadership roles in business and industry.
An old fashion “Cookout highlighted the Fall PAS Conference hosted by Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa on September 20-22, 1988. Other activities included seminars and workshops on personal and technical growth.
A “Decade of Progress” was the theme for the 10th Anniversary State Leadership Conference held at Hawkeye Institute of Technology in Waterloo, Iowa on February 8-9, 1989. To go along with the competitive events, a special banquet inviting back all the past state and national officers was held, presenting the “Founders Award” to key people, and the history of the past 10 years were the highlights. A key business item was to update the constitution to add a PAS Business and Industry Advisory Committee.
The theme for the 10th Anniversary National PAS Conference was “Reflecting on the Past…Moving into the Future”. The conference was held at the sight of the first conference in Kansas City, Missouri. This national conference was held on March 11-14, 1989, at the Park Place Hotel and included the normal conference activities but incorporated the special anniversary events. Key business notes include the establishing of a dress code, a new dues structure, and the establishment of the PAS Associates.
1989-1990
A Summer Leadership Conference was held at the Madrid 4-H Camp in Madrid, Iowa on July 27-28, 1989 for local officers and members. It consisted of seminars and workshops put on by business and industry people for improving leadership roles in business and industry.
On September 14-16, 1989, the University of Minnesota-Waseca in Waseca, Minnesota hosted the first 5-State PAS Regional Leadership Conference. It was historic in the fact that it was the first attempt to provide only personal leadership activities at the national level. The states of Iowa, North and South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin attended.
Another first took place on September 21, 1989 when Hawkeye Institute of Technology hosted the first PAS of Iowa Advisory Committee (see Appendix for members) meeting. The meeting was directed by Past PAS President Keith England and included six business and industry professionals. The first meeting primarily covered the history and highlights of the PAS.
The Fall PAS Leadership Conference was held at the Starlite Village Motel in Ames, Iowa in October 31- November 1-2, 1989. The theme for the year was “Preparing for the 1990’s”. This conference was hosted by Iowa State University and they provided the workshops, seminars and tours.
Having hosted several conferences at Hawkeye Institute of Technology in a row, the state conference was moved to Des Moines, Iowa and held at the Starlite Village Motel on February 18-20, 1990. The competitive events, seminars and key tours of the Des Moines area set the tone for “Preparing for the 1990’s”.
Through the Badlands and to Mount Rushmore, a fitting theme, “PAS: Tomorrow’s Agricultural Leaders” we traveled as the National PAS Conference was held in Rapid City, South Dakota on March 13-17, 1990. The site was the Howard Johnson Hotel. The conference agenda include the competitive events, personal seminars and tours of the Black Hills area. David Blecha was appointed National PAS Activities Coordinator.
1990-1991
A one-day officer/senate leadership workshop was held at the Amana Holiday Inn on June 25, 1990. Doug Reynolds provided the workshops on “Team Leadership” and “Business and Industry - Teaming for Success.”
Hawkeye Institute of Technology hosted the Spring PAS Leadership Conference on February 7-8, 1991. The theme was “Participation + Action = Success.” The day and a half conference concentrated on the competitive events ending with an Iowa chop awards banquet.
With a theme like “World Class Opportunities in Agriculture” The “Big Apple” was one of those opportunities as part of the bus trip to the National PAS Conference that was held at the Marriott Hotel in Albany, New York on March 13-16, 1991. Touring the Statue of Liberty, Harlem, Fish Market, Trade Towers, and other agriculture opportunities were highlights of the conference trip. The key business issue was to get a full time PAS Executive Director.
1991-1992
The Iowa 4-H Camp at Madrid, Iowa was the site of a one-day officer senate workshop held June 11, 1991. The morning dealt with personal goals with the afternoon concentrating officer team goals. A mission statement along with objectives was developed.
The Regional PAS “Values and Visions in Agriculture” Conference was hosted by Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa on October 31- November 1, 1991. Through a series of workshops and tours, the thrust of the conference was to recognize the value of industry involvement and participation in the success of PAS its members. This conference also served as PAS of Iowa's Fall Conference. The highlight was the “Ice Storm” that sent the conference to the hotel resulting in great interaction.
Another change in venue took place as North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, Iowa hosted the Spring PAS Leadership Conference. It was held February 6-7, 1992 in the Muse Noris Conference Center. The theme was “Values and Visions in Agriculture”. Excellent tours of north central Iowa along with the competitive events highlighted the conference activities.
March 11-14, 1992 was the dates and the Sheridan Park Place Hotel was the site for the National PAS Leadership Conference invasion in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The conference emphasized seminars and tours and the PAS members had a chance to play in the band with Johnny Holm. The theme for the conference was “PAS The Right Choice”. David Blecha received the prestigious National PAS Outstanding Advisor award. Jerry Lamers received the highest PAS honor by receiving National PAS Honorary Membership.
1992-1993
In late September a Regional PAS Leadership Conference was hosted by Bismarck State College in Bismarck, North Dakota. The conference focused on personal business development skills.
“PAS – The Key to Unlocking Your Future” was the theme for this year. The Fall Industry Rally took place November 6, 1992 hosted by Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa. The one-day event focused on Environmental concerns, communicating with your customer, and a holistic approach to agriculture.
Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa hosted the state Spring PAS Leadership Conference on February 4-5, 1993. The conference featured the leadership development events, tours of the community, and a business session. An evening barbeque was held the first night.
The National PAS Leadership Conference stayed in the Midwest by going to the Airport Holiday Inn in Moline, Illinois on March 17-20, 1993. The theme for the Conference was “PAS – A Vision for the Future”. The conference included leadership activities, tours, and introduced the new Livestock Competitive Event.
1993-1994
The Fall Leadership conference was held at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa on September 13, 1994. The conference included workshops on Team Building, Communications, Quality Assurance and Biotechnology. One of the highlights was the adjourning the conference to attend the National Cattle Congress Exposition.
The Spring Conference was held at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa on February 3-4, 1994. The two-day conference highlighted the student/member leadership activities.
We all headed west as the National Conference was held on March 16-19, 1994 at the Shilo Inns in Idaho Falls, Idaho. A set of tours was available for PAS to see Idaho at its best. One great tour was the 35,000-acre potato ranch. The first night at the conference began with the state number one product, a potato buffet dinner. The theme was “Moving Toward Greater Frontiers” The trip home was exciting as we went through the mountains in a snowstorm. Craig McEnany was the recipient of the prestigious Outstanding National PAS Advisor Award.
1994-1995
Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar, Iowa was the host of the 1995 Spring PAS Leadership Conference on February 2-3, 1995. The conference featured the leadership activities along with the college bowl being conducted at the Cliff House Motel.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa was the town, and the Five Seasons Center was the sight of the National PAS Leadership Conference on March 15-18, 1995. With the theme, ”PAS: Growing in a Field of Dreams”, a set of unique tours we provided including a tour to Dyersville to visit the “Field of Dreams”. Another highlight was the old fashion barbeque held at the Kirkwood Community College Campus.
The Iowa membership was 371 from seven Iowa colleges
1995-1996
The Best Western Starlite Village in Ames, Iowa was the sight of the PAS Fall Conference on October 18, 1995. The one-day conference consisted of personal, technical, and professional workshops in the morning and business and industry tours in the afternoon.
Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa was the host of the Spring PAS Leadership Conference on February 8-9, 1996. The leadership activities were highlighted by a Special President’s Concert (part of the Artist Series) held on the first night.
Muscatine Community College in Muscatine, Iowa hosted the first officer/senate leadership seminar on February 22-23, 1996. The seminar dealt with team building, developing affinity diagrams, organizational brainstorming, and development of a Plan of Work.
The National PAS Leadership Conference was held at the Howard Johnson Hotel in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 12-16, 1996. Being in South Dakota, the faces on Mount Rushmore was part of the conference theme of “PAS: Faces of Tomorrow”. The Golden State and Golden Chapter Awards was initiated and Hawkeye Community College received the Golden Chapter Award. A Career Fair was added to the conference.
1996-1997
Camp Wyoming in Wyoming, Iowa was the site for the summer officer/senate leadership retreat. It was held on June 14-15, 1996. The emphasis was the development of promotion materials to sell PAS. An exercise on handling stress was a big hit. The retreat ended with planning for the regional conference.
Iowa again hosted the regional PAS conference. Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa hosted the “Setting the Pace with PAS” conference on September 25-27, 1996. The conference used the theme of racing in its workshops and seminars. Attending the Farm Progress Show was a highlight to the conference. This regional conference also served as the PAS of Iowa Fall Leadership Conference.
Muscatine Community College in Muscatine, Iowa hosted it first Spring PAS Leadership Conference. “Setting the Pace with PAS” was the theme for the conference held February 6-7, 1997. Conference activities included the award programs, sight seeing around Muscatine, and seminars.
Ohio was the host state of the 1997 National PAS Leadership Conference. With a theme of “PAS - Create Your Journey” we met in Columbus on March 5-8, 1997 at the Columbus Marriott North. Paul Martin from Muscatine Community College received the prestigious Outstanding Advisor Award.
1997-1998
The officers/senate members were “Off and Running” as they attended a two-day workshop at Camp IO-DISO-E-CA in Solon, Iowa on June 5-6 1997. The workshop dealt with PAS features and benefits, setting goals, and developing a Plan of Action. Sessions on motivation and recognizing personalities was included.
On September 14, 1997, the Holiday Inn in Muscatine, Iowa was the site of the Fall PAS Leadership Conference. Muscatine Community College was the host. Loren Kruse was the keynote speaker as his message fit the theme of “Getting on Track with PAS”. The morning included seminars; Muscatine members provided a barbeque luncheon, followed by industry tours.
Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa was the sight of the Spring PAS Leadership Conference. “Getting on Track with PAS” was the theme of the conference held February 5-6, 1998. Key business activities were updating the By-Laws to include career education, diversity issues, baccalaureate degrees institutions, and allowing 3 candidates to apply for office from each college.
Williamsburg, Virginia was the host of the National PAS Leadership Conference March 11-14, 1998 at the Williamsburg Marriott Hotel. The theme for the conference was “Career Building for Your Future”. The conference included great tours of historical places, awards programs and seminars. The highlight was the bus trip leaving Iowa in a snowstorm and traveling to the east coast in an ice storm. David Blecha received the prestigious National PAS Outstanding Advisor award.
1998-1999
The summer officer/senate retreat was held at the Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp in Story City, Iowa on June 4-5, 1998. The two-day activity concentrated on personal involvement, goal setting, and the organization’s plan of action. A complete set of materials was developed for promotion and recruiting for each of the officers and senate members. Recreational activities provided team-building skills.
Ames, Iowa was the sight, for the Fall PAS Leadership Conference. “20 – Celebrating the Past – 2000 – Creating the Future”, was the theme for the one-day conference. It consisted of personal, technical, and professional workshops in the morning and business and industry tours in the afternoon.
The “20 – Celebrating the Past – 2000 – Creating the Future” carried on through the Spring PAS Leadership Conference which was held at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa February 3-5, 1999. The theme was fitting as the organization is in its 20th year. Award programs, personal seminars, and an anniversary banquet highlighted the conference.
Key activities took place through out the year as the officer team worked with the Iowa FFA Foundation to raise monies to host the 2000 National PAS Conference. One key meeting was making a presentation to Pioneer Hi-bred. To assist with the efforts a twelve person Advisory Committee was established.
The 20th National PAS Leadership Conference was held at the Holiday Inn in Joplin, Missouri on March 10-13, 1999. The conference theme was “PAS – Gateway to the Future.” The conference included the award programs, seminars and several tours of Missouri agriculture and industry. The setting promoted the celebration of 20 years in 2000.
1999-2000
The summer officer/senate retreat was held at the Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp in Story City, Iowa on June 2-3, 1999. The two-day activity concentrated on personal involvement, goal setting and the organization’s plan of action. Recreational activities dealing with nature provided relaxing activities and teambuilding.
Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa hosted its first PAS Fall Leadership Conference on September 21, 1999. The keynote speaker fit the theme “PAS 2000 and Beyond” by discussing “Selling Yourself to Business and Industry”. Other activities included technical update workshop and tours.
Monthly meetings were of extreme importance as the PAS of Iowa officer team and the PAS Conference Advisory Team worked together in planning the 2000 National Conference.
With the theme “PAS - 2000 and Beyond”, Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa hosted the Spring PAS Leadership Conference February 2-4, 2000. Personal strength seminars, Award programs and the first “Taste of Iowa Banquet”, highlighted the conference. Another task at hand was getting both prepared and psyched to host the National Conference in March.
Iowa was “King of the Hill” again as Iowa hosted the 20th year National PAS Leadership Conference at the Holiday Inn – University Park in Des Moines, Iowa. The theme was “PAS: 20 in 2000 - Leadership for Life”. Several state and national industry partners made it possible to provide a great registration packet to show case Iowa Agriculture to the rest of the country for over 700 in attendance. One highlight was the Western theme old fashion cookout held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds the first night. Two days of tours and seminars complimented the Awards Programs. PAS give a special thanks to the 2000 National Conference Advisory Committee for their assistance.
2000-2001
The Summer PAS Leadership Training took place at Des Moines Area Community College on July 13-14, 2000. The emphasis was on working with business and industry, especially with the Iowa Agricultural Development Authority. Other activities included goal setting and planning the activities for the year.
Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa hosted the Fall PAS Leadership conference on October 6, 2000. The conference provided workshops and speakers on global agriculture and alternative agricultural opportunities, thus following the theme "Taking on the Challenge”.
“Taking on the Challenge” was the theme of the Spring PAS Leadership Conference held January 31, February 1-2, 2001 at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa. Personal strength seminars, award programs and the first “Taste of Iowa” Banquet, highlighted the conference.
The National PAS conference was held at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck, North Dakota, March 14-17, 2001. The theme for the conference was “Building Dreams into Reality”. Highlights included a career show, a special series of seminars on personal development, technology and leadership, along with the award programs.
2001-2002
Muscatine Community College in Muscatine, Iowa once again hosted the PAS of Iowa leadership seminar the state officer/senate members on February 22-23, 2001. The activities included team building, personality identification, and PAS Plan of Work.
The new PAS of Iowa Officer Team had its first big test of leadership as they made a formal presentation to the Iowa Agriculture Development Authority asking for funds. This June 18, 2001 meeting provided a great opportunity to tell the PAS story.
Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar, Iowa was the host of its first Fall PAS Leadership Conference September 20-21, 2001 with a theme, “Xtreme Success With PAS”. The conference was held at the new Dairy Complex and featured Alternative, and Value Added Agriculture tours and seminars, and for relaxation and fun, held an Ag Rodeo Competition. This conference also served as a regional conference as the surrounding states were also invited to attend. Three other states attended.
Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa hosted the spring conference on January 29-31, 2002. The conference featured the award programs, Taste of Iowa Banquet and continuous movies with refreshments. The theme was “Xtreme Success With PAS”.
The National PAS Leadership was close as it was held in Mankato, Minnesota on March 13-16, 2002 at the Best Western Conference Center. The theme for the national was “Partnering for the Present – Creating visions for the Future”. The program consisted of the Award Programs, unique tours and unique speakers. Several PAS of Iowa members had a chance to play with the Johnny Holm Band.
2002-2003
There was a new twist to the PAS Officer Leadership training as the team went to Nebraska in June and spent the 2 days at the Horne ranch doing the team building and planning for the year.
Visiting with Business and Industry was a main thrust of this officer team so they spent time with the Iowa FFA Foundation on making business and industry visits through the year.
Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa hosted the PAS of Iowa Fall Leadership Conference along with the Regional PAS Conference. The conference was held September 23-25, 2002. The program included a series of personal development seminars, unique business and industry tours and a day at the Farm Progress Show. Five different states attended the conference. The theme for the year was “PAS on The Prowl”.
The Spring PAS Leadership Conference was held at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa on February 4-6, 2003. The By-Laws were updated in the areas of organizational designation, updating the wording in the purpose, recommending National PAS affiliation, setting of dues, and updating the officer candidate process.
Indianapolis, Indiana was the city and the Westin Hotel was the site of the National PAS Leadership Conference held on March 5-8, 2003. The theme “Partners in Excellence” was fitting, as a business and industry Career Fair was part of the conference. It also included seminars and tours (such as the Indy 500 Race Track). David Blecha received the Prestigious National PAS Advisor award.
2003-2004
Springbrook State Park in Guthrie Center, Iowa was the site of the PAS Summer Leadership Retreat. The two-day retreat held on June 12-13, 2003 concentrated on organizational planning, teamwork and conference planning. The theme for the year was “A New Wave in Agriculture”.
PAS of Iowa and Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa teamed up to co-host the Fall PAS Leadership Conference on October 21, 2003. The one-day event incorporated the ISU Agriculture Career show along with industry tours. ISU departmental meetings were also conducted. The day ended with an old fashion barbeque.
Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa hosted the Spring PAS Leadership Conference. The conference held February 4-6, 2004, concentrated on the award programs, and leadership development sessions. Special efforts were made to have activities for the members to participate in during ideal time between competitive events.
“Packer Country” was the scene for the National PAS Leadership Conference, which was held in Green Bay, Wisconsin on March 10-13, 2004 at the Regency Hotel. The conference consisted of the career programs, tours, and special development sessions. A highlight was a tour to Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers. “Planting Pathways for Progress” was the theme.
2004-2005
The summer officer/senate retreat was held at the Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp in Story City, Iowa on May 17-18, 2004. The two-day activity concentrated on personal involvement, goal setting and the organization’s plan of action including business and industry partnerships. Recreational activities dealing with nature provided relaxing activities and team-building.
The Fall PAS Leadership Conference was held November 16-17, 2004 in Ames, Iowa and featured the Career Program Area Specialist Events for the first time in the fall. The theme for the year was “Perfecting the Image”. All of the Career Program Area Specialist Events, team and individual,, took place at this conference. The conference was held at the Scheman Center of Iowa State University and hosted by Des Moines Area Community College. New Leadership development activities included the National Ag Sales event and two state events in Agribusiness/Agri-Marketing and Natural Resources Management. As in the past, a “Taste of Iowa” Awards Banquet was held.
Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa hosted the Spring PAS Leadership Conference in Waterloo on February 2-3, 2005. This conference featured the Career Planning for Progress Career Programs areas, as well as motivational and leadership activities. This conference also included the yearly business session including the election of officers.
The Albany Marriott Hotel Albany, New York was the site, and March 16-20, 2005 were the dates for the 26th annual National PAS Leadership Conference. The theme "Agricultural Excellence- PAS it on" provided the emphasis for the total Conference. Not only were the attendees celebrating 25 years of PAS activities, but also involved in a very moving and educational conference. Over 665 members and guests from 16 states attended the conference. Some conference highlights included a day in New York City, professional development activities of tours and workshops, and participate in the Career Program Areas Leadership events. Students made the trip by riding a charter bus, flying, as well as taking the train. Iowa was noticed and left a great image as all of the Iowa delegation was dressed in special red t-shirts with the words “From the Tall Corn to the Big Apple”.
The Iowa membership was 704 from eight Iowa colleges.
2005-2006
The Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp in Story City was again the sight for the two-day officer/senate retreat. It was held on May 16-17, 2005. The retreat concentrated on personal development, goal setting and emphasis on business and industry partnerships. A plan was established to celebrate 25 years of PAS at spring conference. The theme selected was “25 years – Reflecting on the Past – Envisioning the Future”. A 25th Anniversary committee consisting of past state and national officers was convened.
Muscatine Community College hosted the Fall PAS Business and Industry Conference on September 22 -23, 2005. This day and one half conference included keynote speakers, a special program on “what is Right With the World”, emphasis on job seeking skills as well as other career oriented tours and seminars. The first evening included an old fashion cookout. A silent auction was also held with proceeds to be used for the 25th Anniversary.