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Dear Editor:
When Governor Quinn approached me to step up and
lead the Illinois Department of Agriculture, I was humbled by the
opportunity to serve in a role where I could promote real, positive
change in the lives of Illinois families. As a former mayor and
legislator representing both rural and urban parts of Illinois that
depend on a robust agricultural economy, I understand why citizens
want someone with a clear vision and a commitment to continued
growth.
I am committed to three major priorities for the
Department of Agriculture:
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Achieve Governor Quinn's goal of doubling
Illinois exports by 2014,
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Maximize every opportunity to strengthen
rural development in Illinois,
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Partner with the agriculture community in
ongoing efforts to ensure our food is safe.
The Director of Agriculture should be a goodwill
ambassador and the number one advocate for the farm families,
communities and companies that make our state great. As Director,
and on behalf of all the citizens of Illinois, I will continue to be
non-partisan in my approach as I have strived to do throughout my
career. I will listen, deliberate and actively lead on behalf of the
many agriculture stakeholders in our state. As a former Director of Regulatory Affairs at
Illinois Power, I understand the importance of effective business
regulations. For years I have worked to navigate government
bureaucracy to help improve lives -- as director I can assist in
reducing red tape to make government work on behalf of the
agriculture community and people all across Illinois.
I am flattered by the outpouring of support from
agricultural leaders, organizations, and elected officials on both
sides of the aisle. I trust that their confidence in me - in
addition to my record of service - demonstrate my commitment to
cooperate with and advocate on behalf of Illinois' vibrant, diverse
and proud agricultural heritage.
Sincerely,
Robert F. Flider
Acting Director
Illinois Department of AgricultureRobert F. Flider
Biography
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Member of the General Assembly for 8 years - 2003-2010
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Served on Ag and Conservation Committee
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Served on Ethanol Production Oversight Committee
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IL Farm Bureau "Agriculture Certified Legislator" – 2004
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IL Farm Bureau "Friend of Agriculture" – 2006, 2008, 2010
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Mayor of Mt Zion for 8 years - 1995-2003
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Past Director, Regulatory Affairs, Illinois Power Company
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Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Eastern Illinois
University - 1979
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News reporter with the Mattoon Journal Gazette and
Charleston Times-Courier newspapers from 1980-1983.
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Director of Broadband Impact – promoting technology
access in rural Illinois communities – with the Partnership
for a Connected Illinois since March 2011.
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Associate Member - Macon County Farm Bureau
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Board of Directors, United Way of Illinois
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Board of Directors, Mid-Illinois Chapter, Red Cross
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Past Board Director – Decatur-Macon County Economic
Development Corp.
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Past Board Member – Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce
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Past Member – Metro Decatur Chamber of Commerce
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Lives with wife Jean in Mt. Zion – has three adult
children (including his son, in the U.S. Army, and
son-in-law, a farmer) and one grandchild.
Agriculture Industry Leaders' Comments
About Robert F. Flider as Director of Agriculture
Jeff Scates, Illinois Corn Growers Association President,
Gallatin County, IL
"The Illinois Corn Growers Association is pleased with
Governor Pat Quinn's appointment of Bob Flider as the new
Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Director
Flider, through his years of experience in the Illinois
legislature, has dealt with many key agricultural and rural
issues. His experience with agriculture, and his ability to
work with the various agricultural interests, will be
helpful to Illinois farmers. We look forward to working with
him, and look forward to creating a strong partnership to
advance agriculture in our state."
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Jim Kaitschuk, Executive Director, Illinois Pork Producers
Association, Springfield, IL
"Bob was always someone that was supportive and
understanding of issues impacting agriculture when he was a
member of the General Assembly. He certainly has the
knowledge and understanding of the legislative dynamics, as
well as how important agriculture is to the viability of
Illinois. These tools will be essential in helping him
continue his positive relationship with agriculture and
working with the many dedicated people in the industry and
within the Department."
Matt Hughes, Chairman, Illinois Soybean Association, from
Shirley, IL
"The Illinois Soybean Association is pleased to support
the appointment of a new director of agriculture who comes
from the heart of Illinois soybean production and
processing. It's important for Illinois soybean producers to
have a strong leader to help grow animal agriculture,
improve crucial transportation infrastructure and lead the
industry. We look forward to working with Director Flider on
issues that promote a healthy food production system in
Illinois."
Chris Olsen, Vice President of Community and Government Affairs,
Tate & Lyle, Decatur, IL
"Bob has a thorough understanding of the issues facing
agriculture and agri-business, and he will be a strong
advocate for all the state's agricultural sectors as
Director."
Wes King, Policy Coordinator, Illinois Stewardship Alliance,
Springfield IL
"The Illinois Stewardship Alliance is pleased to support
the appointment of Bob Flider as the new Director of the
Illinois Department of Agriculture. As a legislator in the
Illinois House of Representatives he was one of the chief
co-sponsors of the Local Food, Farms and Jobs Act; a
landmark piece of legislation that is helping to build local
food systems in Illinois—creating new opportunities for
family farms and food entrepreneurs alike. We look forward
to working with Director Flider to expand upon the great
work that has already been done in Illinois to build viable
local food systems and ensure the long term sustainability
of Illinois agriculture."
Philip Nelson, President of the Illinois Farm Bureau,
Bloomington, IL
"Bob Flider worked well in the agricultural arena when he
served in the General Assembly and on the House Agriculture
committee. Bob's door was always open and we look forward to
working with him in his new role as Director of the
Department of Agriculture,. We look forward to sitting down
and addressing the many needs of agriculture with him."
Greg Webb, Vice-President, State Government Relations, Archer
Daniels Midland, Decatur, IL
"We applaud Gov. Quinn's work to support Illinois
agriculture – a critical component of the Illinois economy.
We look forward to continuing to work with Gov. Quinn and
Mr. Flider to help Illinois agriculture remain vibrant in
2012 and in the coming years."
Duane Noland, President and CEO of the Association of Illinois
Electric Cooperatives
"Bob has lived most of his life in a rural area and
represented a rural district as a state legislator, which
makes him very familiar with issues important to farmers. He
has also been in public service for a long time. He knows
his way around the Capitol as well as the rural areas, so he
will be very effective in his new role."
[Text copied from file received]
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