MOC News

Tales from the 2007 Conference

September 14, 2007 - As part of the craft program I guess I shouldn't brag, but I thought the program itself was helpful and good. Rain put a damper on breakout (I didn't go, thinking it would continue to rain, but now wish I had. Those that went got a nice window of great weather and got to shoot).

The Saturday dinner couldn't have been held in a neater place and Director Hoskins's talk was ideal--good info and just the right length. The hotel also was a good venue, although the waffle I had for breakfast may have been the worst one I ever tried to eat.

I think the format of the conference was excellent, with enough time for fun coupled with excellent craft improvement sessions.

I was pleased with the attendance at the three Saturday morning sessions. Best I could tell everyone came, which is unusual at those things in my experience.

Next year's return to Lake of the Ozarks will offer a multiplicity of things to do, especially fishing if we can work it out. Just don't set the conference on the opener of teal season. My son killed two and had a flock of perhaps 30 birds landing in the decoys.

The 2007 Springfield conference was a success and I would urge those members who didn't come to make every effort to attend the 2008 conference.

---- Joel Vance

2007 MOC Buck Rogers Scholarship Awarded

Sept. 11, 2007 - Christine Tew of Scott City, Mo., was named the 2007 MOC Buck Rogers Memorial Scholarship at the annual conference in Springfield, on September 8.

A senior majoring in agricultural journalism at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Christine has a love of the outdoors and communicating about outdoor issues. Her own outdoor interests include hiking, canoeing, sea kayaking, trap shooting and horseback riding. In 2006, she interned with the Missouri Department of Conservation, and she currently works as an editorial assistant for the MU School of Natural Resources.

Christine has been recognized for her academic excellence on many occasions. She has made the Dean's List at Mizzou six times in as many attempts. In 2006, was named the College of Agriculture's Outstanding Sophomore.

While she is considering graduate school after graduation next May, Christine is interested in communicating and educating the public about natural resources issues and she hopes to one day serve as an editor for the Missouri Conservationist.

Since 1999, Missouri Outdoor Communicators has awarded the Rogers Award to a college student interested in a career in outdoor communications. The scholarship honors the memory of E.L. "Buck" Rogers, a founding member of MOC, who passed away on Dec. 22, 1997, at the age of 74.

Currently, the award includes a $1,500 college scholarship, a one-year MOC membership and an all-expense paid trip to the annual conference. In the seven years the award has included a monetary scholarship, $8,500 has been distributed.

2007 Annual Conference

The 2007 Conference is now OVER.

If you didn't attend, here's a little of what you missed! Too bad --- you'll have to wait all year for the next one!

September 7-9, 2007

This year at Bass Pro Shops World Headquarters
"Get Your Kicks"

Conference Schedule

Make plans now to attend our 2007 annual conference. We will gather Friday, Sept. 7 at the Holiday Inn North in Springfield. That evening, after registration, we will be treated to an outdoor fish fry. The next morning, craft improvement seminars will take place at the hotel. Among those are a panel discussion on ethics in the outdoor media and “Queries that Pay.”

Spouses will have a separate activity hosted by Kathy Brigman while their outdoor communicator is in class.

Lunch will be at the Peppertree restaurant with a speaker to be announced soon.

In the afternoon, members will have the option of participating in a breakout session at Dalton Shooting range or attending another workshop.

Saturday evening, the banquet/auction will take place in front of the shark tank at Wonders of Wildlife. Missouri Department of Conservation Director John Hoskins will be the keynote speaker for the banquet.

The following morning, we will have our annual meeting and then the board of directors will meet.

The energy and hard work of planners promises a great conference. More goodies will be announced soon. We hope to see all of you there.

Call 417-865-8600 now to reserve a room at the special conference price of $89.95.
Come enjoy the fellowship of your fellow outdoor communicators in the Ozarks. We look forward to seeing all of you there.

In addition to being home of the Bass Pro Shops World Headquarters, Springfield offers
many other outdoor opportunities, historic sites, shopping, and great reasons to “Get Your Kicks” and enjoy your visit.

For more information about the conference, call Steve Brigman at: 417-583- 2394 or stephenbrigman@sbcglobal.net.