The Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama’s 17th annual Women of Distinction Luncheon is set for Thursday, March 15th at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center.

This year's honoree is Liz Sutton.  Liz serves as the president of Alabama World Travel and Sutton & Associates.  By setting an example of excellence through her service to family, career and community, Liz Sutton joins the ranks of nearly 100 accomplished and extraordinary women in Southern Alabama dedicated to helping girls reach their full potential.

The keynote speaker is Robin Meade, lead news anchor for HLN's Morning Express with Robin Meade.  She is also an author and singer/songwriter.

This event is open to the public, and GSSA is asking community leaders and members to join them.

Thursday, March 8th is National Ag Day and the Alabama Departments of Agriculture and Industries will celebrate by unveiling the premiere issue of Alabama Agriculture, a guide to the state's farms, food and forestry.  The unveiling will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, located at 1445 Federal Drive in Montgomery.

Alabama Agriculture magazine is intended to inform consumers increasingly concerned about their families food source and to educate legislators and community leaders about the impact of agriculture on the state's economy

The high-quality print magazine features original photography, reader-friendly charts and graphs and engaging articles that give a voice to farmers.  The print publication is accompanied by both a digital and tablet version of the magazine, available free of charge at farmflavor.com.

Source: Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries

Educators interested in applying for this year’s Alabama Ag in the Classroom (AITC) Summer Institute have until April 15 to submit applications.

A grassroots program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, AITC teaches educators about agriculture and introduces them to new strategies for incorporating agriculture into their classrooms. Eligible applicants include K-6 teachers, media specialists and administrators.

The 2012 program will be held at the Marriott Grand National in Opelika, June 12-14. Tuition is free, and teachers can receive continuing education credits for the workshop.

AITC attendees will get their hands dirty with agricultural activities and field trips to working farms.