By Alice McFarlane

Longtime president of farm group to step down after two decades

Aug 13, 2024 | 12:15 PM

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) will have a new president.

Ray Orb will be leaving the position at the end of the month. The Acting President will be Bill Huber, SARM’s current Vice President.

Orb said the decision to not finish his term comes after 20 years of dedicated service, good timing, and a desire to start experiencing life in a different way.

“After 20 years of proudly serving SARM, the timing just feels right. Since announcing back in March that I wouldn’t be seeking re-election, the transition has gone so smoothly that there wasn’t any real reason to delay stepping down,” Orb said. “SARM is in incredibly capable hands with Bill as Acting President, and I’m looking forward to more family time, so it just makes sense.”

Orb said it’s been a tremendous privilege to listen to and learn from all the people he has worked with and represented.

Helping hand

2025 TeleMiracle telethon raises $5.7 million

1h ago

Onto the playoffs

Northern Bears close out regular season with weekend split on the road

1h ago

Escaped prisoner

Sask. RCMP looking for escapee from Willow Cree Healing Lodge Saturday

6h ago

“That strength of community and pride in rural Saskatchewan is something I took with me everywhere I went. That’s something that will never change,” he said.

The official search for an elected President will begin in January 2025 and conclude with an election during the SARM Annual Convention in March 2025. All nominees for President must be elected officials in a rural municipality.

Huber is confident stepping into the role and is looking forward to the challenge.

“My passions in life are people, rural Saskatchewan, and farming so I couldn’t be more honoured to step into this acting position. Having held the role of Vice President for the last four years, I know first-hand what a great leader Ray is and how significant his contributions have been. It’s my privilege to continue that work,” Huber said.

Orb was first elected to the SARM board in 2004.

–

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW