I would like to start out by thanking all of the members and partners and friends for your continued support of the National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees (NOPBNRCSE).  With each year The Organization continues to grow, establish new partnerships, and to carry out its mission.  We have a record number of new members and have paid membership of almost 300 members.

We are looking forward to the upcoming Outreach and Ag Expo this year December 9-11, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. I would like to thank Terry Cosby, the Immediate Past President and Vivian Dickson, Planning Chair for all the countless hours they continue to spend on planning another exceptional Expo.

Thank you to all the Chapters who submitted their 2016 Chapter Business Plans and for the Arkansas Chapter for being the catalyst for this initiative. 

As President, it is my privilege to serve this distinguished organization, which was established in 1992 to enhance the awareness, knowledge, and understanding of NRCS as well as identify and address the concerns of employees, landowners/operators, and partners. Over the past year and a half The Organization will focus on four key areas: Professional Development, Outreach, Recruitment, and Partnerships.  Please look in the members section of the website to see more information about each specific focus area; however, some of the up and coming activities will be to:

1. Implement the NOPBNRCSE Mentoring Program.
2. Establish partnerships with additional Community Based Organizations who could benefit from the annual Expo.
3. Provide funding to Chapters who submit proposals for implementing activities to enhance chapter operations.
4. Continue to survey landowners to collect information about what items they would like assistance on for their operations.
5. Establish a partnership with Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences to assist with recruitment efforts for NRCS internships.
6. Increase awareness about The Organization to present, past, and potential members as well as the community.

This year is an election year so please take the time to update your contact info and pay your dues if you haven't already so you can participate in the election of the 2017-2019 NOPBNRCSE Executive Board.

In order for the NOPBNRCSE to be successful, it will take each and every one of us to volunteer our personal time to carry out its mission.  As President, I will have an open door policy so members, partners, and prospective members can contact me through the various communications tools we have available.  Again, I have enjoyed serving each and every one of you for a second term and I thank you for electing me as the 2015-2017 NOPBNRCSE President.

Drenda Williams
NOPBNRCSE President