To celebrate 40 years in the Amateur Radio business, MFJ Enterprises hosted ARRL Day in the Park in Starkville, Mississippi, October 5-6. Martin F. Jue, K5FLU, started MFJ in October 1972 in a Starkville hotel room with one product: a CW filter kit that sold for less than $10. Today, MFJ consists of six different ham radio companies that manufacture more than 2000 products.

ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B, and ARRL Mississippi Section Manager Malcolm Keown, W5XX, represented the League at MFJ’s ARRL Day in the Park. The two-day event brought 500 people to Starkville and featured tours of the MFJ facilities (including the factory and metal shop), tailgating, forums, demonstrations and lunch. Kramer presented Jue with the ARRL Special Achievement Award, honoring Jue and MFJ for their four decades of service, as well as the company’s innovative products, which have contributed to the enjoyment and effectiveness of Amateur Radio all around the world.

Tom Medlin, W5KUB, was at the event and produced a video of the speeches and presentations, which can be viewed here.