2008 SAIF Ag Banquet Serves up Laughter

Over 520 attendees celebrated agriculture at this year's SAIF Corporation Agri-Business Banquet at the Salem Conference Center. The annual event in January of each year draws farmers and others tied to the agricultural community for a night of celebration and entertainment.

This year's featured speaker was Will Durst. Durst is a 5-time Emmy nominee and recipient of 7 consecutive nominations for the American Comedy Awards Stand Up of the Year. He has racked up more than 400 television appearances in 14 different countries while slinging jokes around the globe in his one man crusade to make people laugh out loud on purpose against their will.

Pictured at right is Will Durst (center) with Title Sponsor representatives from SAIF Corporation Brenda Rocklin (far right) and Chris Davie (second from right). Also pictured are Presenting Sponsor representatives from KeyBank Dallas Scofield (far left) and Brian Rice (second from left).

The annual celebration of agriculture also makes its way into the area high schools, where local artists are encouraged to illustrate their best depictions of local farming. This year's art contest winner was Alyssa Tompkins from Blanchet Catholic School. Alyssa is pictured below at left where she is receiving a certificate of achievement from Chief Executive Officer of the Salem Chamber Mike McLaran.

Stay tuned for the 2009 Agri-Business Banquet which will again be coordinated by the Salem Chamber's Agricultural Team.

A special thanks to Title Sponsor SAIF Corporation, Presenting Sponsor KeyBank, all major sponsors featured in the left hand margin and the following Supporting Sponsors:

Capital Valuation Group

Country Insurance & Financial Services

Elsinore Gallery & Framing

E.Z. Orchards

Fox Blueprinting

NORPAC Foods

US Bank

West Coast Bank