Tues., Dec. 31 02 - Town Hall Meetings Provide Give and Take

Suggested Lead:

Town hall meetings being conducted across the country by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and state beef councils serve a dual purpose, according to Terry Stokes. Stokes, chief executive officer of NCBA, says that while there are messages NCBA wants to convey to its members, the open forums are more about listening than talking.

Cut #1       :30            Outcue: "...on a day-to-day basis."

Stokes says beef producers around the nation are looking for good news, and he is able to offer them some.

Cut #2       :27            Outcue: "...profitability of our industry."

According to Stokes, rising beef demand also offers encouragement.

Cut #3       :27            Outcue: "...king of the dinner table."

Stokes says NCBA is entirely devoted to improving profitability for its members.

Cut #4       :26            Outcue: "...that dream come true."

Since last summer, Stokes has personally attended town hall meetings in more than 25 towns in a dozen states, in addition to attending state cattlemen conventions. After the first of the year, he will be conducting town hall meetings in Louisiana, South Dakota, Illinois and Indiana, plus several southeastern states.