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1959
Inland Empire Fertilizer Dealers Association is created, and first convention is held in Spokane, Washington.
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1969
First staff member hired – Ken Maurer, Executive Secretary.
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1978
New name is acquired – Far West Fertilizer Association. It was felt that the new name best described the geographic
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1979
Safety packet designed to help member companies keep records of safety meetings.
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1980
Far West launches first safety program that was provided once a month.
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1983
Acquired first WA legislative liaison – Errett Deck, former WA Asst. Director of Ag.
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1983
Sponsored a PNW based Fertilizer Retail Dealer Efficiency Data survey. providing a comparison of regional retailers.
![](https://www.fwaa.org/wp-content/uploads/sprout-400x400.png)
1984
First Management Seminar held in Pasco, WA.
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1985
Sponsored the Intermountain Safety School.
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1988
Organized participation of dealers in the Retroactive Rating program for WA State industrial insurance so dealers could receive rebates on insurance premiums.
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1990
Hired first Executive Director, Scott McKinnie.
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1993
First Far West office opened in downtown Spokane, WA.
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1998
Members and staff help craft the first state law in the US regulating heavy metals in fertilizers – signed by Gov. Gary Locke (WA).
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2003
Far West Fertilizer & Agrichemical Association becomes Far West Agribusiness Association.
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2006
FWAA becomes administrator for Northwest region of Certified Crop Adviser program.
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2009
WA HB223 legislation passed/CDL exemption.
![](https://www.fwaa.org/wp-content/uploads/sprout-400x400.png)
2020
Far West Agribusiness Association rebranded creating a new logo.
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2022
Current staff members include Margaret Jensen, Susan Reed and Emily Gluch.
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1968
Introduction of the Outstanding Serviceman’s Award
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1972
First lobbying efforts – Lobbied WA Legislature to make exemption to Jones Act.
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1978
“Careers in the Pacific Northwest Fertilizer Industry” is completed by the association to showcase ag careers.
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1980
In conjunction with chemical industry, arranged meetings in WA,OR, and ID to disseminate EPA regulations on hazardous waste.
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1980
Far West funds and helps create a Sales School program.
![](https://www.fwaa.org/wp-content/uploads/sprout-400x400.png)
1983
“Back to Basics” fertilizer seminar developed.
![](https://www.fwaa.org/wp-content/uploads/sprout-400x400.png)
1983
Sponsored a PNW based Fertilizer Retail Dealer Efficiency Data survey. providing a comparison of regional retailers.
![](https://www.fwaa.org/wp-content/uploads/sprout-400x400.png)
1984
Strong actions made to successfully get parts of the Workers Right to Know Bill changed while working against it.
![](https://www.fwaa.org/wp-content/uploads/sprout-400x400.png)
1985
Fertilizer Dealer Seminar in Marketing and Financial Management created and held in February in Pasco, WA.
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1988
First monthly newsletter sent out due to growing membership.
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1993
Inland Empire Ag Chemical Association merges with Far West as a WA non-profit corporation incorporated on October 16th.
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1997
Establishment of Far West CFA NH3 driver certification program.
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2002
Far West merges and acquires Idaho Crop Production Association (ICPA) and its assets.
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2005
Far West acquires Washington Pest Consultants Association
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2008
New Executive Director, Jim Fitzgerald hired.
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2016
Far West hires Errin Nelson as the Office Manager
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2020
Far West office moves to Weiser, Idaho. Margaret jensen hired as new executive director after Jim Fitzgerald retired.
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2023
Far West hires Craig Smith as new Executive Director