Contact:          Jackie Buehner           j.buehner@beef.org           303-850-3442

AMERICAN NATIONAL CATTLEWOMEN INSTALL NEW PRESIDENT, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

DENVER (February 8, 2007) – Wendy Pettz of Huntsville, Ark., was installed as the 56th president of the American National CattleWomen (ANCW) during the 2007 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Nashville. ANCW is a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the beef industry by encouraging and equipping women in beef and related agribusiness.

Pettz brings years of commitment to the beef industry at the county, state and national level.  What began as an interest in helping with the 1995 National Beef Cook-Off® (NBCO) in Little Rock evolved into an almost full-time volunteer position. After serving as a contestant hostess during the 1995 NBCO, Wendy became more involved in the Arkansas CattleWomen’s Association serving on numerous committees before being elected president in 2000.

Well-seasoned on the national level, Pettz has served on the Budget, Education, Issues Awareness, and NBCO committees, and as president-elect. She has served as the Region IV Director for ANCW and as the ANCW representative to the Joint Nutrition and Health Committee.

Wendy and her husband Robert own and operate a cattle and poultry operation just outside the small town of Huntsville in northwest Arkansas. They raise registered Brangus cattle and their oldest son runs the poultry side of the operation. They also own and operate a small trucking business, with Robert driving a truck on a daily basis. Wendy is also very proud of Robert’s 23 years of service as a Navy Reservist. Wendy has three grown children and one grandchild.

Included in ANCW’s Plan of Work this year, Pettz’s goals include: target collegiate members, and make every attempt to include and actively involve them and their talents in our committees; develop a three-year plan for personal and professional development for members; create a new promotion/education multi media package; and produce a leadership unit for distribution to state and local cattlewomen associations. This is in addition to supporting ANCW’s highly successful NBCO and National Beef Ambassador Program.

Remaining members of the 2007 Executive Committee are President-Elect Fita Witte, Belen, N.M.; Vice President Kristy Lage, Arthur, Neb.; Secretary Ruby Poteet, Pine Bluff, Ark.; Past President Nancy Stirling-Neuhauser, Midland, S.D.; and Parliamentarian Wateena Ahrens, Sulphur Springs, Ark.

Region Directors are:

Region I: Bonnie Bargstedt, Albany, N.Y.

Region II: Lana Slaten, Cullman, Ala.

Region III: Leslie Lohrenz, Sun Prairie, Wis.

Region IV: Rosemary Gambino, Pattison, Texas

Region V: Linda Davis, Townsend, Mont.

Region VI: Joan Hemsted, Cottonwood, Calif.

Region VII: Janice Rustad, Kindred, N.D.

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ANCW is a volunteer organization that is a voice for women who share a passion for the U. S. beef industry, and are supporting the beef industry through education and promotion.  Women who are interested in helping to promote the beef industry are welcome to join. Visit:  www.ancw.org