CCFB News» November 2020

Past president Jim Goebbert views a scrapbook containing past board photos while enjoying a moment of serenity of the Centennial Legacy Patio.

Together with members, Cook County Farm Bureau created a Centennial Legacy Patio as a tribute to the members, families, and partners for their role in the historic success of the organization throughout the past century. Numerous members donated funds to purchase an engraved paver block for the patio to imprint their legacy and demonstrate support of agricultural literacy through the Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation and Ag in the Classroom program. Pictured left to right is board members: Tim Stuenkel, Gerry Kopping, Dan Biernacki, President Janet McCabe, James Bloomstrand, and Todd Price and Manager Bob Rohrer.

Bob Resch, CCFB member, stopped into the 100-year anniversary drive through.

Manager Bob Rohrer points out to longtime member Alan Krueger an historic article from the Co-Operator publication that adorned a viewing wall during the Drive through event.

Cook County agricultural trivia guard signs lined the driveway as members exited the drive through event.

5 things a member should know about the centennial of the Cook County Farm Bureau…

1. During the 100 years of the organization, the Cook County Farm Bureau has had 20 farmers that have served as president and seven executives that have served as manager.

2. While delivery of programs and services have evolved and changed over the 100 years, the essence of the organization, with a focus on strong agriculture and successful farming in the Cook County area, remains the same.

3. While the organization has been housed in the current headquarter facility in Countryside for 29 years, the organization has also had buildings and offices in the towns of Rolling Meadows, Tinley Park, Arlington Heights, Blue Island, and Lemont.

4. Since 1921, the organization has published a member newsletter/newspaper to keep members up to date on issues, organization programming, government actions impacting agriculture, membership benefits and services, and updates regarding food trends. The current publication, the Co-Operator, has been sent to members’ homes since 1938.

5. When the organization first began in 1920, there were 1,205 members. Now, over 43,000 members are part of the Cook County Farm Bureau.

*The Cook County Farm Bureau board and staff put together a 100-year coffee table book to tell the history story of the organization in words and pictures from 1920 – 2020. While supplies last, members can obtain a gift bag that contains the 100-year coffee table book, anniversary calendar, CCFB/COUNTRY coffee cup tumbler, CCFB anniversary logo cap, throwback recipe brochure with cooking board, ink pen, and more in a reusable shopping bag. (Simply call the office if you are in the neighborhood of the building and we will provide curbside delivery as you drive through!)

We have also created a Virtual 100-year anniversary tour for members interested in seeing the history online by going to the organization’s website: www.cookcfb.org.