Swiss Valley Gals

The Swiss Valley Gals is a women's program unique to this dairy cooperative. Begun over 30 years ago, the program was designed by a small group of female co-op members who wanted an organization to present other female members with topics centered on "Farm Business Off the Farm." Luncheon meetings are held once a year, and all women with a Swiss Valley Farms affiliation are invited to attend.

2011 Fall Swiss Valley Gals Meeting Schedule

Swiss Valley Gals to get a "Taste" of the "Caves"
The 2011 Swiss Valley Gals meetings will be fun for all, with a lively speaker and two interesting meeting locations. I hope you will be able to find the time to join me for one of these meetings.

This year's speaker is Jeff Jirik, the co-op's V.P. of Blue Cheese Operations, who will take you on a virtual tour of the Caves of Faribault. Jeff's enthusiasm for cheese and these historical caves is unlimited! He is also an authority on how to really "taste" cheese and with his assistance you will participate in a most entertaining cheese sampling session. Swiss Valley Gals will enjoy Jeff's informal and robust delivery and his unbeatable knowledge of the Caves of Faribault in Minnesota as well as the chemistry of cheese tasting.

Both meeting locations offer unusual properties for the Swiss Valley Gals to explore. The exciting 3-story Barn House in Epworth, Iowa with its many charmingly decorated bedrooms and reception areas was such a hit at last year's meeting, a repeat visit was quickly planned.

This fall, the Prairie du Chien meeting will offer an unusual treat for the ladies. The meeting will be held on the back veranda of the Villa Louis Historical Home on the Mississippi River waterfront. Attendees will be served an old-fashioned luncheon, befitting the 19th Century Victorian time period and style of the elegant home. Following Jeff's talk at 2 p.m., the Gals are invited to stay for a guided tour of the Villa Louis Mansion.

Any woman who is a Swiss Valley Farms member or who works for a Swiss Valley Farms dairy is a Swiss Valley Gal and is invited to attend these meetings. The Swiss Valley Gals is a unique women's organization founded in 1980 by several co-op women who were eager to gather together other female co-op members to discuss topics that would advance the business interests of the women's dairies, inform them about their cooperative and possibly improve their lifestyle. "Farm Business off the Farm" is the original motto of the organization.

• Thursday, Sept. 22nd --- Prairie du Chien, Wis at the Villa Louis Historial House
• Friday, Sept. 23rd --- Epworth, Iowa at the Barn House

Registration begins at 11 a.m.      Lunch: 11:45 a.m.    
Speaker: 12:30 p.m.   Meeting Adjourns at 2 p.m.