By Carol Jackson

Thank you to Fred Keup who is going off the NEEF Board of Directors at the completion of his term the end of 2009.

Recruited by long-time Board member Orville Heitkamp about four years ago, Fred also served the past two years on the Executive Committee as treasurer. He described his experience as – great and enjoyable – and sees so many good things on the horizon for the Ney Center with almost 500 acres of land and lots of potential.

During his tenure on the Board, Becky was hired as a part-time staff person and he feels that the Ney Center is becoming a first class operation. He especially credits Becky with doing an exceptional job with programming and promotion of the Ney Center’s activities. He feels we need to continue to find ways to finance our programs and paid staff and to promote membership, especially the new categories of business memberships.

Fred, a quiet, unassuming businessman from Belle Plaine, is involved in – a lot of other things – and wants to continue to be involved in some of the NNC projects. We appreciate Fred’s wise leadership and will miss his experience on the Board.