4 Congressional Leaders honored as 'Champions of Rural America' during 150th National Grange Birthday Celebration

Washington, DC, Dec. 05, 2017 -- As part of the 150th birthday celebration of the National Grange on Monday, Dec. 4, four Congressional leaders were honored as Champions of Rural America. 

National Grange President Betsy Huber (purple), presented the Champion of Rural America Awards during the 150th Birthday celebration of the Grange recently. Representative Collin Peterson (MN), top left, and Representative Greg Walden (OR), top right, received their awards on Wednesday, Nov. 29 in their offices. Senator Susan Collins received the award with former Maine State Grange President Rick Grotton (bottom left) and Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI) with Huber and Michigan State Grange President Christopher Johnston (bottom right) received their awards and provided remarks at the live birthday celebration Monday, Dec. 4, at the Historic Decatur House in Washington, D.C.

Sen. Susan Collins (ME), Rep. Collin Peterson (MN), Sen. Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Rep. Greg Walden (OR) were chosen by the nation's oldest agricultural advocacy organization for their leadership on issues related to agriculture and rural Americans but also for their bipartisan approach to legislating.

National Grange President Betsy Huber provided Reps. Peterson and Walden their awards in the week prior as they were unable to attend the birthday celebration that was held at the Historic Decatur House.

"These honorees are really amazing individuals who work on behalf of rural Americans every day, taking their role as public servants seriously," Huber said. "For 150 years, Grange members around the nation have worked through a grassroots process to identify the issues relevant to agriculture and rural residents. It is important for us at this milestone event to make sure to recognize those today who listen to the voices of our producers and rural Americans and ensure the prosperity of our smaller, more remote communities."

Senators Collins and Stabenow appeared in person to receive their award. 

The award was designed as a way to thank those elected officials who have:

• Recognized the importance of agriculture in our economy and as part of our national security;
• Who have fought to ensure rural Americans have equal access to broadband, quality healthcare and excellent educational opportunities;
• Place a high value on doing the right thing;
• Put public service ahead of politics;
• Consistently been bipartisan in their legislative efforts on behalf of rural and small communities across America;
• Who persevere and embody our core values of faith, hope, charity and fidelity and who live our motto: in essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity.

Each of the honorees spoke about the great history of the Grange, and the need for a nonpartisan organization focused on serving their communities and standing as the voice of those in America's hometowns. 

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/01a2e436-0e50-4532-8a6a-4069653b8fdc

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fc378371-80d0-4ba7-99f1-6f85e3362f8a

Amanda Brozana Rios
National Grange
3019431090
[email protected]