September 12th – 15th –
The State Convention is a time when all the area Granges in North Carolina gather to conduct the business of the State Grange. It is also time for contests, pageantry, and fellowship. Each local Grange sends one male and one female delegate to vote on the local grange’s behalf.
Throughout the convention, the adults of the state Grange conduct business like any other civic or other non-profit group; electing officers, reviewing and approving budgets and policy, and the like. The youth practice the many rituals, songs, and dances of the organization.
The State Convention welcomes speakers and guests to present on a wide array of topics. This year the Grange heard from Ray Starling, current General Counsel for the NC Chamber of Commerce and former Chief of Staff to US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. Starling has been no stranger to North Carolina and North Carolina agriculture policy, having provided counsel for Thom Tillis, both in Tillis’ capacity as NC House Speaker and US Senator. Zane Hedgecock, Chief of Staff for NCDA&CS also spoke at lunch and thanked the Grange members for all they do to support agriculture across the state.
The Board also heard from Ernie Mills, CEO and Founder of the Durham Rescue Mission; for whom the Granges collected and donated needed clothing, especially socks, which were in desperate need at the Mission.
Also, during the State Convention, the Grange opened the meeting at 5th and 6th degree. These rituals are only performed at the state convention and express many practices and characteristics of other fraternal organizations.