Recognizing agriculture as the foundation of the region’s economy, coupled with an invigorating vision for the future, the American Royal Board of Governors’ held its Annual Meeting February 10 at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. 2015 American Royal Chairman John Mitchell Jr. was energizing and vocal in his visions for the upcoming season.

“The American Royal is indeed Kansas City’s most authentic asset. We continue to be as relevant today as at our founding. We produce one of the very best livestock shows in the country. We host the world’s largest BBQ and we provide more than $1.4 million dollars in direct support of our mission of supporting youth and education. What we do is impactful. It is significant. It touches people and makes a difference in their lives. Indeed, by any measure, we are one of the top giving organizations in the city. Today, we are as strong as ever as we continue to live our mission of showcasing American Agriculture and educating kids,” Mitchell said.

The official elections results were as follows:
American Royal Officers of the Board of Directors
– Chairman: John Mitchell Jr., Treat America Food Services
– Chair-elect: Angie Stanland, Cerner
– Corporate Secretary: Allen Dillingham, The Builders’ Association
– Treasurer: Charles Tetrick, Walz Tetrick Advertising
– Vice Chairs of Agricultural Center Campaign: Mariner Kemper, UMB

Mitchell concluded with, “I stand before you now to proclaim that effective immediately, the American Royal is kicking it into high gear. We are doubling down on all that we do. We are reemphasizing, reorganizing, reenergizing and rejuvenating. We will fulfill our old mission in new ways, with bigger events, new events, and thus we will move the American Royal to the center of the conversation. These changes won’t happen overnight, but we intend to make a big down payment in 2015. We’re calling this new, accelerated approach, “Let’s Grow.” I assure you it will be exciting. Are you ready? Let’s Grow!”