The North American Farm Show Council announced that it has changed its name to Farm Show Council at the organization's annual meeting that was held recently in Charlotte, North Carolina. The change comes in an effort to modify the scope of what the Council has become, and to include international partners. "Rather than limit ourselves to North America, this change helps us increase our international presence," said Chuck Gamble, secretary-treasurer of the Farm Show Council. The adjustment of the organization's name will help foster relationships as the group proceeds with creating and maintaining alliances among worldwide shows. Gamble added, "We've already received good feedback from our European friends in response to the change. In fact, New Zealand has been an international member of the Council for several years." Along with the name change, the Farm Show Council also approved a new logo that replaces the logo which was created more than 40 years ago when the Council was founded. "The new logo is a more effective and a more contemporary promotional tool," said Farm Show Council President, Doug Wagner. The Farm Show Council has also recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Federation of Agricultural Exhibition and Show Organizers (EURASCO). EURASCO's objective is to improve European agricultural exhibitions while serving as a liaison with other agricultural organizations. The Farm Show Council strives to improve the value of its member shows through education, communication and evaluation. The overall goal of the Council is to provide the best possible marketing showcase for exhibitors of agricultural equipment and related products to the farmer/rancher/producer customer. Council Members exchange ideas and concerns with each other while seeking mutual means to be more effective for their exhibitors and visitors. Since 1972, the Council has represented those agricultural equipment shows in the United States, Canada and New Zealand that have expressed excellence and maintained high standards for the benefit of both exhibitors and attendees. Those standards are evaluated, not only on admission to membership into the Council, but also on a continuing five-year plan of action. Beginning in 2003, the Council expanded its representation to include agricultural equipment shows outside of the boundaries of North America with the creation of the International Associate Membership. 5.16.2011