The annual general meeting on Thursday night for the Morris Valley Ag Society was a huge success. The meeting drew in a large crowd completely filling the Morris River View Golf Course.

"Lots of great attendance, and lots of conversation, I think we are maybe seeing a few new people which is always good but overall a great turn out," said Valley Ag Society President Pat Schmitke.

Schmitke also announced at the meeting that he would be resigning as president of the Society. Schmitke said new people bring new ideas.

Schmitke has been involved as a member of the Valley Ag Society for eight years and was president for two of those years, he also noted that he plans to stay with the group and offer help in the form of a volunteer.

In 2015 the Valley Ag Society was running a deficit in revenue of just over $30,000 and in 2016 was in the positive for over $140,000.

"We were not a little in the hole when I started were were a lot in the hole, so we decided to re visit our budget and make some changes," explained Schmitke.

Norm Gauthier was elected as the new president for the Valley Ag Society Thursday evening, Gauthier mentioned it came as an un expected surprise.

When Gauthier was asked what his top priority would be as the new president he responded by saying "lets just make it work for next year."

"Very excited to have Norm as our new president, he has done an excellent job with the operation end of things, good qualities, good talents, he's going to make an excellent leader," noted Schmitke.

Valley Ag Society annually has roughly 150 to 200 volunteers, at the meeting there was a lot of talk about the consistent need for more volunteers and members.

"There are some benefits to membership like voting rights, discounts on merchandise and free access to the grounds year round," explained Schmitke.

Some things are still in discussion heading into 2017 such as the hydro upgrade still in the process of being completed, the addition of new and returning events at the Stampede, and the idea of re joining the Pro Rodeo Tour.

Previous Valley Ag Society President Pat Schmitke and volunteer of the year award winner Dale Buhler.