PRESS RELEASE
Livestock Marketing Association and members donate to West, TX
July 24, 2013
Kansas City, Mo.
In response to the West, Texas, fertilizer plant explosion, the West Auction, Inc., the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) and the Livestock Marketing Association of Texas (LMAT) established the Cattleman’s Relief Fund. To date, $129,500 dollars has been raised, and a check in that amount was presented to the West EMS on July 22 at State National Bank in West, TX.
“After the explosion, I was contacted by several LMA member markets who wanted to help the community of West. I spoke to the Uptmore family at West Auction, Inc., and it was decided that the community really needed funds to rebuild,” said LMA Regional Executive Officer, Jesse Carver.
The LMA organized a “Week for West” and distributed donation information to LMA members across the nation. About 30 auction markets from Texas, California, Kentucky and Tennessee, as well as the LMA, LMAT and many individuals contributed to the Cattleman’s Relief Fund. All money raised has been donated to West EMS for the replacement of two ambulances lost during the explosion.
West Auction, Inc. did not conduct their Thursday sale the day after the explosion, and instead moved 800 head of cattle on hand to various surrounding markets for consignment. In the days following the explosion, West Auction was utilized as a staging area and press conference site for local, national and international media.
About the Livestock Marketing Association
The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., is North America’s leading, national trade association dedicated to serving its members in the open and competitive auction method of marketing livestock. Founded in 1947, LMA has more than 800 member businesses across the U.S. and Canada and remains invested in both the livestock and livestock marketing industries through member support, education programs, policy representation and communication efforts.
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