Christmas trees earn FFA recognition

Thomas R. Smith, of Bonners Ferry FFA, was selected as a national finalist for the National FFA proficiency award in Agricultural Sales-Entrepreneurship, one of only four people chosen to compete for the award at the national finals, held Oct. 19 through 22, during the 89th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Ind.

Four years ago, as a freshman at Bonners Ferry High School, Smith started selling Christmas trees and began his business when there was only one other operation in town. Today, he is the only such business in town. Smith secures his inventory, the location to have the sales lot and manages all of the financial records.

“I was shocked when my mom told me I was a finalist and I didn’t really realize how big of a deal it was until I researched it and found out that there were only four of us in the United States that had been selected,” Smith said. “It was a lot of work,

but hard work pays off.”

This year, Smith’s Christmas trees, grand and fraser firs, can be purchased on the South Hill in the CarQuest Auto Parts parking lot, Saturdays through Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., while supplies last.

Smith is supported by his parents, Julie and Travis, and his FFA advisors Julie Smith and Joe Stockdale. His family members, including his grandfather, Cecil Walden, now help him with sales, as he is currently attending Idaho State University. The proceeds from Christmas tree sales fund Smith’s education at ISU, where he is earning his associates in science and studying to become a diesel technician.

Smith comes from a family of successful entrepreneurs. His parents owned and operated Horizon Landscaping, now Smith Industries, since 1995. Famous for their wreath farm, the Smiths sold the profitable business just last year to a company in Sandpoint. Over the years, the Smiths sold their Christmas wreaths all over the world, as far as Thailand and China. They also made wreaths for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and flew to Washington, D.C., to place them.

Learning by example, Smith has now built a successful business of his own and has been nationally recognized for his hard work by the FFA.

The proficiency awards recognize outstanding student achievement in agribusiness gained through establishment of a new business, working for an existing company or otherwise gaining hands-on experience.

The Agricultural Sales-Entrepreneurship award is one of 47 proficiency program areas FFA members can participate in to develop valuable experience and leadership skills at the local, state and national levels.

Smith became eligible for the national award after winning the Idaho State FFA competition earlier this year.

This award is sponsored by Crop Production Services. In recognition of being a finalist, each of the four finalists received a plaque and $500 during a special ceremony at the national FFA convention and expo.

The National FFA organization is a National Youth Organization of 645,355 members as part of 7,859 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, cell growth and career success through agricultural education.

The national FFA organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is an integral part of public instruction and agriculture. The US Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA and a service to the state and local agricultural education programs.

The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, and other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education.

Governed by a 19-member board of trustees comprised of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA alumni, the foundation is a separately-registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities.

Information: FFA.org or FFA.org/Give

When asked what advice he would give to fellow FFA students, or teens who would like to start their own business, Smith said, “ The FFA has a lot of scholarships and opportunities — even if you don’t think you can win, apply anyway. As far as business advice, do your research and make sure you enjoy what you’re going to do. Look at every possible outcome — good or bad. There were times when I would think it might fail, but I kept going — it was really hard work — but with local support, and the support of my family, it succeeded.”