Five Questions for Deb Voltz, Director of Membership/ CM Team
What is your favorite job within the Cook County Farm Bureau?
This is a hard question because I have several, but my favorite is working with members and assisting COUNTRY Financial staff, both in person and over the phone. We truly have the BEST members around – kind, appreciative, inquisitive, and so interesting. I am amazed how many Associate members grew up on a farm or have family farming connections.
When you are not working on Farm Bureau business, what is something you like to spend time doing?
Besides spending time with my family and friends enjoying sports, games, and exploring local craft beer, I enjoy working out, especially yoga, hiking, and cycling (when I am injury free).
What is your favorite farm or food memory?
I grew up in Chicago, so my farm memories have come since working at the CCFB! One that stands out is when the CM Team was on a local farm tour visiting Smits Farms in Sauk Village. Carl Smits had us go out into his sweet corn field and shuck a piece of corn fresh off the stalk and eat it right there! I was so surprised by how absolutely delicious, tender, and juicy the uncooked corn was.
What did you want to be growing up?
I wanted to be a Physical Therapist since my fifth grade science human anatomy unit. I was and am still fascinated by how the human body works. I was also heavily influenced by seeing PTs in action at RIC (now Shirly Ryan Ability Lab), challenging my quadriplegic brother, who now lives a rewarding, full, and independent life. Unfortunately, my C in Physics III put an end to that.
What is your favorite Cook County Farm Bureau benefit?
There are so many to choose from, but my favorite that I have used for the past 13 years are the Rental Car discounts, I’ve rented vans to move kids to and from college, and cars on favorite vacation destinations.