FFA is big business from the looks of this announcement about their new Merchandise Center. I guess you learn something new everyday. I had no idea their merchandise business was so big.

This November, the National FFA Organization will break ground on the future home of its new 36,000-square-foot Merchandise Center. This $10 million operation includes the merchandising, licensing and customer and distribution services departments. “The reason we’re building the merchandise center is to be able to meet current customer demand and build capacity for future growth,” said Lee Anne Shiller, director of merchandise operations.

Duke Construction has been contracted to build the facility. RATIO Architects Inc., who designed the Indianapolis-based National FFA Center nine years ago, will design the $3.5 million merchandise center. The new facility will also offer tours, and to enhance member visits, the building will be specifically designed to allow tour groups to watch while plaques are being engraved. Nearly 40 existing FFA staff are expected to move into the center by June, with the capacity to house 70. The move allows for a $1.4 million expansion at the National FFA Center that will be completed prior to the 2007 National FFA Convention.