Decisions of Lasting Impact
Opening session of 2016 Angus Convention celebrates the past, as CEO Allen Moczygemba challenges members to take their turn in advancing the breed.
CEO Allen Moczygemba took to the stage in Indianapolis, Ind., Nov. 5 to welcome Angus members, commercial cattlemen and allied industry to the 2016 Angus Convention. Celebrating the heritage of the breed, he emphasized the impact of George Grant’s decision to bring Aberdeen-Angus bulls to Kansas in 1873.
“One decision, made by one man, ultimately changed the course of the cattle business,” said Moczygemba. “Because of that decision, today Angus touches every corner, every farm and ranch in this country, and people in restaurants around the world dine on the beef we produce.”
Citing many of the organization’s milestones, Moczygemba pointed out that the American Angus Association has a long history of making “the right decision at the right time.”
“Each decision built upon the other, creating synergies and ultimately setting the foundation for the great success we enjoy today,” he noted.
“While I’m a student of the past, I’m also a planner,” Moczygemba shared. “While the past is our foundation, a plan serves as the compass for the future, and while the two work hand-in-hand, you can never let your past control your future.”
Moczygemba warned of the dangers of complacency, comparing the more recent 45-year histories of the Hereford and Angus breeds. He attributed the greater success of the Angus breed to two reasons — (1) staying true to its mission and (2) strong leadership with the resolve to plan for the future and position the Association for long-term growth.
Since he took the helm of the organization in December 2015, he’s witnessed that same commitment to innovative decision-making among the Association’s current leadership, he shared. A result of that commitment is the Long-Range Strategic Plan unveiled at the Association’s annual business meeting Nov. 7 (see the brochure inserted in the January issue of the Angus Beef Bulletin).
To watch the full opening session of the 2016 Angus Convention, including both comments by Moczygemba and Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) President John Stika, visit http://bit.ly/Allen-John. For additional coverage of the Angus Convention — including summaries, speaker presentations, photos, videos and more — visit the convention newsroom at www.angus.media/news/Angus-Convention.
