Dan Keppen, Family Farm Alliance
How long have you been involved in the Chamber?
I first joined the Chamber in 2001, when I started work as executive director for the Klamath Water Users Association. I have been on the Chamber board of directors since 2003.
How and why did you become involved?
I was very impressed with how the business community — with leadership from the Chamber — stepped up to support farmers in 2001, when their irrigation supplies were curtailed. I have worked on Western water issues for the past 17 years, and the way in which local businesses engaged to support the agricultural community that year was a very remarkable and unique experience. As a result, national media focus and political support were generated for the farmers' cause.
What are the greatest benefits of the Chamber to you/your business/the community?
Working with the Chamber has provided me with an incredible network of business professionals, people that I might not otherwise have had a chance to meet. In addition to the obvious networking benefits, I've also developed some great friendships. As a result, I've come to appreciate how many talented people we have in our community.
Any personal information you wish to share?
Prior to joining the Alliance in March 2005, Dan Keppen worked for over three years as the Executive Director of the Klamath Water Users Association. In that position, he worked closely with Congress, the Bush Administration, California and Oregon state legislatures, and state and federal agencies on issues that affected the people dependent on the Klamath Project, including farm and ranch families, local businesses, and rural communities.
Keppen received his Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering (Water Resources) from Oregon State University and his Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Wyoming. He and his wife Dena, and their children, Anna and Jackson, live in Klamath Falls.
Tell us about your professional goals. How has the Chamber helped you reach these goals?
I am executive director of the Family Farm Alliance, a non-profit association that advocates for family farmers, ranchers, irrigation districts and allied industries in 17 Western States. The Alliance is a grassroots-based organization that puts Congressional and Administration staff members into direct contact with water users and local water agencies. Most Family Farm Alliance members are involved with using or delivering federal water supplies from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation).
I am always looking for ways to expand the audience when it comes to talking about the importance of irrigators and Western water projects. It's kind of silly to preach to the choir, only. The Chamber has allowed me to share a message with folks outside of the agricultural community, and I've received valuable feedback from this new audience.
