Alabama Council of Cooperatives Conference
At First South Farm Credit, lenders are more than just customers; they are members. As an agricultural cooperative, First South understands the importance of advancing members’ professional lives, as well as supporting fellow cooperative organizations. Because of this, First South annually sponsors four couples to attend the Alabama Council of Cooperatives Conference. David and Stefanie Bryant, Dalton and Katie St. Cin, Cody and Lindsay McCroy, and Brock and Amy Mathews were sponsored to attend this year’s event.
The conference’s purpose is to strengthen the relationships between cooperative organizations and farming couples and give insight on how they can support each other. Attendees also learn of economic and service opportunities provided by cooperatives. Dalton and Katie St. Cin left the event with stronger relationships with cooperative members.
“This conference was a great way for me to get out of my comfort zone and meet with other cooperative couples,” said Katie St. Cin. “Being an introvert, I probably would not have met some of the people I did if it had not been for this conference. Meeting these people allowed me to expand my farm-related knowledge, as well as my cooperative knowledge.”
Brock and Amy Mathews found it refreshing to meet other young couples during this year’s conference and build both personal and professional connections.
“We realized that our businesses were members of three different cooperatives that were present at the conference,” said Brock Mathews. “We realized how important it is for us to be involved with these cooperatives. It planted the idea that as positions become available on the various boards, we need to be applying for those positions.”
In addition to sponsoring the couples’ attendance, First South sponsored and presented the first annual Samuel Harold Kilpatrick, Jr. Host Couple Awards. This award was named in memory of First South retiree and long-time conference champion, Harold Kilpatrick.
“Harold Kilpatrick was a lifelong friend that I had the privilege of working with at First South for 10 to 12 years,” said John Sport, First South Farm Credit Vice President, YBS. “From his life experiences, through his time serving farmers as a loan officer and credit officer at First South, I can attest to Harold’s commitment to supporting and encouraging young farming families and the agriculture industry as a whole. So many have benefitted from his efforts and this award rightfully bears his name.”
Grace Ellis, secretary/treasurer of the Alabama Council of Cooperatives Board of Directors worked with Kilpatrick from 2003 until his retirement in the early 2020s. She spoke highly of his leadership skills and ability to educate the next generation on the importance of cooperative business models.
“From the perspective of someone who worked alongside him at this conference for more than two decades, I can tell you that he is missed,” said Ellis. “There is a significant void at this conference without him there to brighten the room. The Samuel Harold Kilpatrick Host Couple Awards are a welcomed tribute to a man who helped shape this conference and the greater agricultural industry.”
The conference sponsorships provided by First South demonstrates the organization’s dedication to building stronger member relationships and paving the way for the next generation. The commitment of First South and the Alabama Council of Cooperatives actively make its members and its industries stronger.
“I think it is important to be involved in our cooperatives at a close level,” said St. Cin. “Before this conference, we never thought much on being involved closely with a cooperative. This conference gave us insight at just how much we as small, large, or even beginning farmers need these co-ops; I believe without them, many of us could not exist. After leaving this conference, it was clear to see how First South is 110% for the customers.”
