A new association to address the needs of the ever-growing "country living" population began operations last month.

A new association to address the needs of the ever-growing "country living" population began operations last month. The new entity is named Country Living Association and its membership is focused on individuals and families who reside in the country and marketers who supply these families with goods and services relating to country life.

The association is managed by Drake & Co. Alan Krob is named its Exec Dir and can be reached at 636/449-5050 or [e-mail].

Meredith Corp's Living the Country Life will serve as the organization's official publication, and John Deere has committed to be a founding sponsor.

Membership services offered by Country Living Association not only will focus on family and land care issues, but also will include topics such as financial and insurance planning, pet and animal care, asset and tax management, and new product information. Members will receive Living The Country Life magazine, a monthly e-newsletter and have access to a very robust Web site, including free classifieds and an "ask the experts" feature. Regional seminars will be offered as will an annual national convention and trade show.