Sep 3, 2009Dates Set for 2010 Potato Industry Leadership Institute
The 2010 Potato Industry Leadership Institute has been scheduled for Feb. 18-25. The institute is an eight-day program designed to identify, develop and cultivate new leaders within the potato industry.
The institute focuses on leadership development, public policy, marketing, trade, team building, public communication, presentation skills and more. Participants are selected through state organization nominations and a committee facilitated by the National Potato Council and the United States Potato Board, which jointly coordinate the program. The institute receives a major sponsorship from Syngenta, who has long been committed to leadership development in agriculture.
The 2010 institute will begin in Michigan where participants will receive an overview of the U.S. potato industry, including domestic and international marketing. Tours of local production and processing will be held, in addition to exposure on how to get involved in grassroots legislative efforts at the state level. Participants will then head to Washington, D.C., where the focus will move to national legislative and regulatory priorities for the U.S. potato industry and skills training. Training sessions will include presentation skills, leadership development, media training and lobbying skills.
The 2009 Leadership Institute represented all ages and types of operations within the industry. Participants came with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and the Institute raised their awareness to a much greater level,” said Eric Halverson, a grower from North Dakota’s Red River Valley who served as the grower leader at the 2009 institute. “Leadership development is critical to the future of the potato industry. Speaking for the 2009 institute, I can say everyone not only gained a better understanding of the industry, but also of their role within it—we all left with a commitment to better serve the industry in one way or another.”
If you are interested in participating in the 2010 Potato Industry Leadership Institute, contact the National Potato Council, U.S. Potato Board or your state organization. ”
