LANSING, Mich. — State Rep. Julie Alexander, the chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, has announced she has been named Legislator of the Year by the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (MAFE).

“County fairs and other events held at Michigan’s fairgrounds are unique to each community while offering fun for the entire family,” said Alexander, who farms with her husband in Hanover. “Fairs support agriculture with ample opportunities to educate and entertain. In the House Agriculture Committee, I have been excited to use this platform to allow the industry’s voice to be heard, whether reviewing COVID-19 policies that affected large events and 4-H, or advancing legislation to support horse races at local fairs.”

MAFE Executive Director Lisa Reiff said, “The Legislator of the Year Award is one of our most prestigious awards and is an opportunity for MAFE to thank those that have gone above and beyond for the Michigan fair industry. Rep. Alexander is a prime example of this service. We thank her for her hard work on behalf of Michigan residents, especially those involved in the agriculture industry.”

MAFE also honored Val Vail-Shirey, Alexander’s legislative director, with a Service to the Industry Award.

“As my legislative director, Val has served the Jackson community and our state well,” Alexander said. “Her knowledge of the agricultural industry and policy has aided my work on the Agriculture Committee, and she has always been ready to help Jackson residents who contact my office.”

Reiff added, “We are also pleased to award Val Vail-Shirey with a Service to the Industry Award in recognition of her lifelong support for the Michigan fair and horse racing industry, both personally and legislatively. We appreciate Rep. Alexander and Ms. Vail-Shirey for all their service to the great state of Michigan.”

— Office of State Rep. Julie Alexander