The Connecticut State Grange has elected Jody A. Cameron of Moosup, CT, as its new President effective October 23, 2010. 

He will be responsible for managing the numerous officers and committes as well as engaging in activities to further the Grange's mission of community service, agricultural advocacy and legislative initiatives.  He will be representing the interests of more than 60 Community Granges and 10 County (Pomona) Granges across Connecticut.

When asked what he sees as the key areas the Connecticut State Grange will be tackling in the coming year, Cameron responded Grange growth.  "There is great opportunity to grow, by introducing the other communities to the Grange,"  he said.  "The State Grange is to be of support to all Community and Pomona Granges, and by being there for each Grange it will reinforce its commitment to stronger Granges in EVERY community."

The role of the Grange in the communities across Connecticut is important to Cameron, with initiatives such as bringing members of the community together for common causes to better the lives of those in the community.  "A Grange can be the catalyst and incubator of ideas."

Cameron brings more than 20 years of experience in Grange activities, leadership training, communications, and public affairs, both in Connecticut and on the national level. He has held most every major position in the Grange through the years, including the Northeast Region Convention Planner for the National Grange convention when it was in Connecticut in 2008, and has worked his way up the Grange ladder to becom the 36th President of the Connecticut State Grange.

He met his wife Jodi Ann through the Grange, and they are the proud parents of two children, J. Allen and Jaimie, who are both now Grange members.  What are Cameron's fondest Grange moments to date?  "Watching our children grow up in the Grange, be elected and installed into various offices and how they too respect this organization and do not take for granted the opportunities that have been given to them and those they are yet to embark upon." 

About the Connecticut State Grange:  The Connecticut State Grange has been an integral part of rural and non-rural communities across the state for over 125 years, with currently more than 60 local Grange chapters in Connecticut. Local Granges are committed to bettering their communities through service projects and family orientated activities.

For more information on the Connecticut State Grange please visit www.CTStateGrange.org.