2005 NATIONAL DISTINGUISHED FRIENDS OF EXTENSION
The National Distinguished Friends of Extension are the highest recognition given by ESP to non-Extension (lay) person, business or organization. It is designed to recognize truly outstanding support and personal involvement in Extension efforts. The following three individuals/group are being recognized at the 2005 National Conference in Colorado Springs.
SUE B. HELMREICH - COLUMBUS, OHIO
Sue Helmreich is passionate about financial literacy and Extension. As her own awareness of Extension's efforts in this area has increased, Sue's enthusiasm for linking potential community partners with Extension educators across Ohio has increased exponentially. Sue has an amazing ability to convey her respect for the quality of Extension programming to others, helping them see how communities benefit from Extension. She has made it her personal mission to invite Extension to participate in financial literacy efforts. As additional communities across Ohio come together to address financial literacy, Sue will undoubtedly be there, asking Extension to participate in building the capacity of these communities to improve their quality of life. Through Sue's contacts and work, many Extension county partners have joined numerous credit union projects in reaching out to low-income populations, new immigrants, schools, and social service agencies. Many needs are being meet in these Ohio communities; however, the main focus of her work is financial education. Sue was active in a Tuscarawas County 4-H club where she was a junior leader and participated in statewide meetings and competitions. Sue contributed to the Celebration of Youth and the state 4-H building on the Ohio State University campus. She contacted dozens of current and retired 4-Hers to support the new building fund with specific contributions for a "Tuscarawas County" room.
IOWA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION - IOWA
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and its relationship with Extension for nearly one hundred years has been a key to making Iowa State University Extension one of the best in the nation. Communities, business, families and youth have benefited by the dedication and support provided by Farm Bureau members. In the 1950's the working partnership changed because of the legislative efforts of Farm Bureau in other arenas. 4-H Youth programs have been a major beneficiary of funding from the beginning. The new Extension 4-H Youth building has truly become the front door for Extension at ISU. The completion of the Extension 4-H Building on the campus of Iowa State University will enable Extension professionals to impact the lives of Iowans for generations. Without the Farm Bureau gift the Extension building would not have been possible. This is just one of the many financial contributions that Farm Bureau has made in recent years to support the Extension program. In 1985 IFBF contributed $10,000 to support the Rural Concern Hot-Line at the time it was established. In 1986 ISU Extension distributed educational materials on respiratory hazards in agriculture. The major funding for the publication was from IFBF. In 1992 IFBF assisted with the publishing of the book 75 Years of the Extension Service in Iowa and provided a copy of the book to every county Farm Bureau office.
RANDY NUCKOLLS - WASHINGTON, DC (NOMINATED BY ALPHA BETA CHAPTER, GEORGIA)
Randy Nuckolls has more than twenty-five years of experience in Washington DC working on federal issues in the public policy arena with a focus on agriculture, natural resource and higher education issues. Randy grew up on a poultry and dairy farm in North Georgia. As a 4th grader, he was introduced to 4-H by his local County Extension Agent. 4-H and the Cooperative Extension Service opened his eyes and ambitions to a bigger world beyond the fence posts of that family farm. His love affair with 4-H and his appreciation for the value of the Cooperative Extension Service in the lives of millions of Americans has remained with him through out his professional life. His contributions to furthering the mission of the Cooperative Extension Service have been numerous. A major focus of his work is in assisting higher education institutions and organizations in pursuing their federal affairs agenda, including promoting the causes and programs of land-grant institutions. He has specialized in agricultural and natural resource law and has served as Washington Counsel for the University of Georgia. For more than 20 years, Randy has served as host to visiting Georgia Extension Agents and 4-H groups when they visit Washington D.C., organizing Congressional meetings for them and advising them on the best way to communicate the priorities and interests of Extension to key policy makers in Washington D.C.
Sue Helmreich is passionate about financial literacy and Extension. As her own awareness of Extension's efforts in this area has increased, Sue's enthusiasm for linking potential community partners with Extension educators across Ohio has increased exponentially. Sue has an amazing ability to convey her respect for the quality of Extension programming to others, helping them see how communities benefit from Extension. She has made it her personal mission to invite Extension to participate in financial literacy efforts. As additional communities across Ohio come together to address financial literacy, Sue will undoubtedly be there, asking Extension to participate in building the capacity of these communities to improve their quality of life. Through Sue's contacts and work, many Extension county partners have joined numerous credit union projects in reaching out to low-income populations, new immigrants, schools, and social service agencies. Many needs are being meet in these Ohio communities; however, the main focus of her work is financial education. Sue was active in a Tuscarawas County 4-H club where she was a junior leader and participated in statewide meetings and competitions. Sue contributed to the Celebration of Youth and the state 4-H building on the Ohio State University campus. She contacted dozens of current and retired 4-Hers to support the new building fund with specific contributions for a "Tuscarawas County" room. 
