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On August 3, 1982 Ken Knox was ppointea‘ as the first director of the ew Rural Organizations and Ser- ices Branch of the Ontario inistry of Agriculture and Food. en came to the Ministry in 1967 as an extension assistant in Oxford county. He left that pasition a year later to continue his education, returning in 1972 as an assistant agricultural representative for Waterloo. 1973 marked the beginning of a series of promotions within the former extension branch. in 1973 Ken become assistant supervisor of youth extension, and four years 1983 holds many promises. It also holds many concerns that rural organizations are raising concerns like the economic conditions farmers confront, the availability of skilled farm employees and the stress that farm people face. In my new capacity as director of Rural Organizations and Services Branch, rural organization presidents are also registering another concern. They see a large untapped resource within their organizations â€" the resource of leadership. In several discussions I've had with her, Janet Hiepleh comes back to one point. Not that there are 28,000 F.W.I.O. members in Ontario, not that they are situated all across the province, not that they have a tremendous tradition lasting 85 years â€" but that there are so My first recollection of the Women’s Institute goes back to my childhood where I can recall proud- ly (but carefully) passing cream and sugar to the ladies during lunch when my mother hosted the mon» thly meeting at our house! Since then I have stored up many happy memories of this group during my career with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. It is with pleasure and anticipaâ€" tion that I look forward to this new adventure in my career path. From November 22 â€" 26 I had the oppor- tunity to see your Provincial Board in action in downtown Toronto. later was appointed supervisor of that section. He accepted an apâ€" pointment as associate director (programs) with the extension branch in 1979. Earlier this year, Ken undertook a special assignment with the Ontario Farm Adjustment Assistance Program. Ken holds a B. Sc. in agricultural economics from the University of Guelph and a Diploma in Agriâ€" culture from Kemptviile College of Agricultural Technology. No doubt many Home and Coun» try readers met Ken at Area Con- ventions last fall and many more of you will meet him in the future. Introducing Ken Knox... many leaders out there working, who with some additional training and resources, would be able to help solve the concerns of today so that the promises of 1983 could be more attainable. I agree with your president. Your large membership and tradition is certainly noteworthy. However, the vital issue is the human energy and leadership potential. The energy crisis in Canada is not in the oil fields. It is up and down the streets and every concession. Economic conditions can make things difficult â€" the wrong at titude can be devastating. The challenge of providing the resources and the leadership trainâ€" ing for F.W.I.O. members has been welcomed by your officers and our new branch. Two programs are already under way. Introducing Joyce Canning You, the members, have every reason to be proud of your provin- cial executive and your elected board directors. During those five days they dispatched a phenomenal amount of business with efficiency. In my comments to your re- presentatives at the annual meeting I threw out the following challenge: TOMORROW'S JOB CANNOT BE DONE WITH YESTERDAY’S TOOLS. Let us all keep this thought before us as we face the challenges that the months and years ahead bring. The best to everyone in 1983. -Joyce Canning Ken Knox For the first time in many years, the provincial convenors will meet to develop program ideas and draw resources together. The purpose is to assist all convenors down to the branch level in addressing the im- portant issues of our society at home, in our county and abroad. In order to help solve the problems of our day, we all need to understand them. Providing advice to govern- ment, business and families is not a task that can be taken lightly. We hope that, through your convenors. programs in 1983 will help Clarify the complexity of the issues. Joyce Canning will be representing me and assisting your organization in this undertaking. (SEE NOTE BELOW) The second program is a series of leadership training workshops to be held this winter for members of rural organizations. Twentyâ€"four one-day workshops will be held across the province to cover the topic of running an effective meeting. The Women's Institute organization will be one of several groups invited to send delegates to local workshops. Phone your agricultural office for more details about the workshops in your area. I look forward to working with you and l have appreciated the in- vitations to speak at functions, the letters, and the words of encourage- ment 1 have received since becoming Director. If we all shoulder the wheel, pro- vide our energy and our leadership, the challenge of incurring a con- tinued healthy rural life style can be met.