Getting to know your New Board Members
Leah Norris By: Lauren McNair
It is not uncommon to hear people in our industry say, “I grew up around the
Fair.” But Leah Norris didn’t just grow up around the Fair, volunteering or participating in different events. It’s safe to say Leah grew up in the Fair. With her father, Happy Norris, being the manager of the Lake County Fair, Leah was practically reared on the fairgrounds, learning even as a young child how to operate a Fair. “I grew up having Easter egg hunts on our grounds in the off season,” said
Leah, “and I was always helping when I could in the office, whether it was answering the phone or folding programs.” Leah attended college at the University of Florida and during her last se-
mester agreed to help her dad in the Fair office while they were in the midst of some transitions. “Dad asked if I wanted to come help out at the Fair with office work,” said
Leah. “So I did, and as time went on, I realized I was pretty good at it, and I obviously had a passion for the industry.”
Leah now serves as assistant manager and is charged with handling customer ser- vice, accounts receivable, accounts payable, livestock, competitive exhibits, commercial and independent vendor relations, office management and more. “We are a two-man show,” said Leah. “So
as far as staff goes, we do it all!” Leah became involved with the Federation and the IAFE in 2008 and hasn’t stopped since. She recently served as chair of the newsletter committee and has previously been chair of the welcoming committee and the YPI committee. Additionally, she has been involved with the convention committee, legislative committee, sponsorship committee and numerous others. When she’s not wearing one of her many hats at the Fair or within the Fed-
eration, Leah enjoys boating on the St. Johns River, visiting local springs, staying at the family cabin in the Ocala National Forest and taking care of her dogs, Diesel and Dahlia.
Hal Porter By: Lauren McNair
I’ve only been around Hal Porter a handful of times. But each time I have, I
can vividly remember thinking, “I can tell that he loves what he does.” As it turns out, I was right. Hal started showing livestock at the young age of eight as a 4-H member and showed calves, steers and horses and also competed in exhibits contests. Once he graduated, Hal attended the University of Florida where he majored in animal science and minored in music. His love for the Fair, however, drove him back to the Citrus County Fair
where he served on the board of directors for over 25 years. In 2006 Hal took over the day-to-day operations of the Fair as the Fair Manager. “I work to plan our county Fair and other Fair sponsored activities,” said Hal.
“I enjoy giving back and the excitement of seeing the Fair come together.” More than the pageants, livestock shows, eating contests, midway and
more, Hal says he does have a favorite part of the Fair that stands out from all the rest. “Working with and getting to know the youth at our Fair is my favorite part,”
said Hal.
Paul Laughter By: Lauren McNair
I have had the privilege of working with Paul Laughter at the Florida Strawberry Festival for the past two years and was so pleased to hear he would be joining our Federation’s board of directors as an associ- ate member. Paul currently works for Etix, a box office and online ticketing service, where he is the director of sales. Primarily, he works with fairs, festivals and expositions, as he in the one responsible for initially bringing Fair clients to Etix.
“I started my journey into the Fairy industry in 2009 when I brought my first
Fair client, Four States Fair in Texarkana, Ark., to Etix,” said Paul. Shortly after, he became involved with the IAFE and has worked with the
federation for the past five years, even volunteering to work on the welcoming committee.
Since becoming involved in the fair industry, he has developed a love for the
rapport and spirit of its people. “The camaraderie, support and exchanging of ideas between fairs and festi- vals is really inspiring to me,” said Paul. As an associate member of the board, Paul’s background and appreciation
of entertainment and events will surely be a great asset to the endeavors of our federation. His love of technology, live entertainment, music, art and travel are sure to bring a fresh perspective of current trends in the event industry. “It is such an honor to be chosen to serve on the board of directors for the
federation,” said Paul. “I hope to make a meaningful contribution to the board’s efforts to continue the growth and longevity of the federation.”
27 His dedication and joy of working with
youth is so evident that the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce awarded him with the Service to Youth Award. He has also been honored with the Florida 4-H Alumni of the Year Award. Outside his dedication to the Fair, Hal
likes to hunt, rodeo, roller skate and cheer on his beloved Florida Gators. Hal’s recent election to the federation’s
board of directors comes as no surprise to his industry peers. “His faithfulness and willingness to serve definitely qualify him to work on the board,” said Florida Strawberry Festival Vendor Manager Ellany Johnson. Having served on the trade show committee, auction committee, scholar- ship committee and others, Hal is certain to bring an abundance of experience and passion to this year’s board of directors. “The Fair has been a huge part of my life,” said Hal. I LOVE the Fair!”
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