Peoria Standard

State Rep. Mike Unes (R-East Peoria) was awarded the 2016 Friend of Agriculture Award from the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) by the Peoria County Farm Bureau in August.

Legislators who qualify for the award are those who have shown commendable understanding and appreciation of the role and importance of Illinois agriculture and who have a proven track record of supporting and advocating for the wide-ranging advantages of promoting the agricultural products of Illinois. They are also those who understand the crucial role of farmers in the growth and development of the state and the world.

Patrick Kirchhofer, manager of the Peoria County Farm Bureau, said the IFB is grateful for the support they receive from Unes. He said that the farmers in the community are thankful for the time and attention the representative allots to their cause.

“Representative Unes had a favorable voting record through the Illinois Farm Bureau's Activator program,”  Kirchhofer said.

Kirchhofer pointed out the positive effects of having local legislators as strong support systems to the agricultural sector. He said that the backing from these officials helps boost the morale among the farmers in the community and added that this also encourages those who work to improve the condition of the agriculture industry.

“Agriculture has a major impact on our local economy and we are always encouraged when our local legislators support our farmers and rural communities,” Kirchhofer said.

In receiving the Friend of Agriculture Award, Unes expressed his appreciation for the recognition from the IFB. He pledged that his support of the local farmers is a source of pride for him and added that he intends to continue his relationship with the agriculture sector.

“I’m extremely proud to support our local farmers; I look forward to continuing to build on our strong relationship,” Unes said.

Unes also stressed the important role of the farmers not only in the agricultural sector but also to the entire economy. He said that the hard work and strong work ethic of these members of the community contribute substantially to the creation of thousands of job opportunities in the state.

“Our economy depends on their strong work ethic and hard work to keep the economic engine turning for the thousands of jobs they create throughout our area,” Unes said.

Unes has been the District 91 representative since 2011. Aside from his support to the agriculture sector, he also advocates attracting additional employers to return to Illinois and revolutionizing state government ethics. He also said fiscal responsibility is one of his main concerns as an official as well.

Prior to becoming a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, Unes served as a member of the East Peoria City Council where he took charge of accounts and finance.