Highland County’s Ag is Everyone’s Business event set for March 6
By Jamie Wheeler
Executive Director
Highland County Chamber of Commerce
The Highland County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the presentation of the 14th annual Ag is Everyone’s Business event on Friday, March 6 at Southern State Community College’s Patriot Center, located at 100 Hobart Drive in Hillsboro.
This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Temple Grandin. Dr. Temple Grandin is a trailblazing biologist, inventor, and autism advocate who has made significant contributions to both animal welfare and neurodiversity awareness.
Born in 1947, she was diagnosed with autism at age 2, but went on to earn multiple degrees, including a Ph.D. in animal science. Dr. Grandin's groundbreaking work in livestock handling and slaughtering facilities has improved industry standards and benefited millions of animals worldwide. Her personal journey as a neurodivergent individual has also inspired countless people, as she shares her unique perspective on thinking and learning through her best-selling books and international speaking engagements. In recognition of her influential work, Dr. Grandin was named USA Today’s 2025 Woman of the Year.
“The goal of this event has been to network Highland County’s business community with our county’s top industry, agriculture,” said Jamie Wheeler, Highland County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “This event annually draws together business leaders, farmers and youth looking to be involved in agriculture.”
Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast available and welcoming remarks will start at 9:45 a.m. The event will conclude at 11 a.m. with a meet and greet with Dr. Grandin. The breakfast will be prepared by local caterers and served by local FFA Chapter members.
Tickets for the event are $25 and can be purchased by visiting the Chamber office at 129 North High Street in Hillsboro, calling 937-393-1111, or can be purchased online at www.thehighlandchamber.com. Seating for the event is limited so we recommend purchasing your tickets early. Ticket sales will close February 27, 2026 at 1 p.m. No tickets will be sold at the door for the event.
Announcements about the event, as well as other Chamber activities, will be made available on www.thehighlandchamber.com as well as the Chamber’s social media accounts. Below is Dr. Temple Grandin, a Colorado State University professor, renowned for livestock facility designs and advancing animal welfare and is headlining the 2026 Ag is Everyone’s Business Event on March 6. Time Magazine named Dr. Grandin as one of the 100 most influential people, and an HBO movie celebrated her life. Dr. Grandin has authored several best-selling books and 400+ articles. Her honors include The Women's Hall of Fame induction and recognition as a top college professor. Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.thehighlandchamber.com.
About the Highland County Chamber of Commerce
The Highland County Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit membership-driven organization that represents the business community of Highland County. The many plans and programs the Chamber offers its investors, combined with county workforce development initiatives, and local, state, and federal legislative/advocacy efforts positions the Chamber of Commerce as a lead organization in Highland County. Learn more at www.thehighlandchamber.com.