“FAIR”LY IMPORTANT MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . …………………………………………..
FROM THE DESK OF …………………………………... Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam
Congratulations on a suc-
Adam H. Putnam Commissioner
cessful Fair season! As the Fair season comes to an end and we begin to prepare for the fall festi- vals, I am reminded of the hard work of many communities across the state of Florida that dedicated their time and energy to host terrific events. Through- out the state, we’ve been blessed with fine weather, seen great shows and enjoyed thrilling rides this season. The Department of Agricul-
ture and Consumer Services has also been hard at work this sea-
son during the 2011 Legislative session. We partnered with legislators to streamline programs at the Department so that we may support and promote the agriculture industry more effectively and efficiently. As a result of bills passed by the Legislature this session, the Department will also be taking on new responsibilities in the coming months, includ- ing school nutrition. With school nutrition programs at the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, I will work to improve the nutritional value of school meals by directing more of Florida’s fresh fruits and vegetables to school cafeterias. Members of the Legislature addressed many challenges
facing the state this year, including the state’s budget defi- cit. Despite many difficult decisions to reduce government spending, the state budget passed by the Legislature and recently signed into law by Governor Scott will continue to fund the County Fair premiums. This appropriation is vital to fostering the educational and leadership opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders in our state. With this support, Florida’s local Fairs will be able to continue to make lasting impressions on Florida’s youth and reward them for their hard work and dedication to the future of the agriculture industry. Thank you for your commitment to this longstanding tra-
dition and celebration of our state’s rich agricultural heri- tage.
Danny Raulerson was recently ap- pointed as the new Bureau Chief of State Farmers Markets for the Florida Depart- ment of Agriculture and Consumer Ser- vices. Danny was also elected to the Federation Board of Directors as an Hon- orary Director.
27 “IRS Form 990” Most, if not all Florida Fair associations, are not for
profit organizations. An IRS Form 990 is a tax docu- ment that a not for profit organization files each year with the IRS. This form allows the IRS and the general public to review a not for profit’s operations. In the past several years, significant changes have been made to the IRS Form 990. The Form 990 and its reporting re- quirements have expanded significantly. As a result of these changes, not for profit organizations should have by now reviewed and/or adopted a variety of policies and procedures, including but not limited to: a conflict of interest policy, document retention policy and whistle blower policy. Be sure to work with your accountant and attorney to ensure that your organization is in com- pliance with all of the new Form 990 requirements.
Attorney’s Corner…….. By Lance Fuchs
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