Chamber Board Supports Ohio Senate Joint Resolution on Livestock Care Standards Resolution

August 26, 2009

The Union County Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees unanimously approved at its August 19, 2009 Board Meeting a resolution in support of Ohio Senate Joint Resolution on Livestock Care Standards. The Chamber supports the House and Senate joint resolution to create a thirteen member Livestock Care Standards Board consisting of the Director of the Department of Agriculture, ten members appointed by the Governor, a family farmer appointed by the Speaker of the House and a family farmer appointed by the President of the Senate. This resolution will be put on the November 2009 Ohio ballot for voters to grant the Livestock Care Standards Board the authority to establish and implement standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry. Furthermore, the resolution directs the board to “endeavor to maintain food safety, encourage locally grown and raised food, and protect Ohio farms and families” and to consider factors such as agricultural best management practices for care and well-being, bio-security, disease prevention, animal morbidity and mortality data, food safety practices, and the protection of local, affordable food supplies for consumers.

“Agriculture is one of the largest business sectors in Union County, the state of Ohio, and is important to the continued success of our nation,” stated Dave Thorbahn, Chair of the Agriculture Committee of the Union County Chamber of Commerce. He further added, “Local Union County livestock farmers as well as farmers from across Ohio have committed their lives to caring for animals and are appalled at any animal mistreatment and cruelty. An Ohio livestock care standards board of highly trained and experienced specialists representing each sectors of animal care and food safety are can establish effective rules and standards to prevent these isolated incidence of animal cruelty and ensure animal welfare.”

“With over 87% of our land agriculture based, the Board encourages voters in Union County and the state of Ohio to support this amendment,” stated Chip Hubbs, President of the Union County Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees.

The Union County Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to champion economic development, community improvement, and business viability for the betterment of Union County. The Chamber currently has approximately 535 members making it the ninth largest chamber in Central Ohio. Through its strong membership, the Chamber brings together hundreds of people from various companies who are dedicated to growing the community for businesses and maintaining a healthy economy in which to conduct business.

Chamber Board Supports Livestock Standards Resolution

August 26, 2009

The Union County Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution in support of Ohio Senate Joint Resolution on Livestock Care Standards at their August 19, 2009 board meeting. The Chamber supports the House and Senate joint resolution to create a thirteen member Livestock Care Standards Board consisting of the Director of the Department of Agriculture, ten members appointed by the Governor, a family farmer appointed by the Speaker of the House and a family farmer appointed by the President of the Senate. This resolution will be put on the November 2009 Ohio ballot for voters to grant the Livestock Care Standards Board the authority to establish and implement standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry. Furthermore, the resolution directs the board to “endeavor to maintain food safety, encourage locally grown and raised food, and protect Ohio farms and families” and to consider factors such as agricultural best management practices for care and well-being, bio security, disease prevention, animal morbidity and mortality data, food safety practices, and the protection of local, affordable food supplies for consumers.

“Agriculture is one of the largest business sectors in Union County, the state of Ohio and the United States of America whose sustainability is important to continued success of our nation stated Dave Thorbahn, chair of the Agriculture Committee of the Union County Chamber of Commerce.” “With over 87% of our land agriculture based, the board encourages voters in Union County and the state of Ohio to support this amendment stated Chip Hubbs, President Union County Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees.”