State Fair director receives national recognition

Carol Porter of Haas & Wilkerson Insurance poses with State Fair Director Steve Patterson. 

Most folks like to kick back after work … maybe put their feet up and have a cold beverage or spend time on a favorite hobby.  Then there’s Steve Patterson.  Steve is one of the outstanding members of our State Fair Board, and he’s definitely not one to kick back and put his feet up – at least not for very long.

By day, Steve is a valuable member of the Indiana Farm Bureau insurance team.  By night and weekend, he is a fair “warrior” on the county, state and national level.

Steve has been participating and volunteering at fairs for most of his life.  Not only has he been serving tirelessly on the State Fair Board for a number of years, but he has also been on the board of the Hendricks County 4-H Fair since the early 1990s.  For the past three years, he has also been the director of administration for the Indiana Association of Fairs, Festivals and Events (INAFFE).  Maybe he just doesn’t know how to relax.

Regardless, the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) recognized Steve for his incredible contributions at its annual national convention last week by presenting him and four others across the country with the prestigious Heritage Award.  This award, presented by Haas & Wilkerson Insurance, goes to outstanding fair managers with at least 10 years of experience who receive less than $2,500 remuneration annually.

IAFE Chairman Gary Slater presents Steve Patterson with the Heritage Award at the national convention.

Internally, we’ve always known Steve to be an overachiever, and now the rest of the world knows, too.  Way to go, Steve!  And thanks for all you do!

 

Submitted by Andy Klotz