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2013 NAMA Fall Conference

Mark your calendars for September 17 – 18, Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, MO.  If you can’t get enough of the Agri-Marketing Conference, then we’ve got great news for you.  NAMA’s Fall Conference is inspired by everything people love about the April conference:

• Killer keynoters
• Practical breakouts
• Ample leadership development opportunities
• Ag Tour sponsored by Gateway Chapter
• Unequalled networking
• And, of course, good times!

Sessions and speakers to be announced soon.

Special Note – This meeting replaces the “Trends” meeting typically held in November.

If  you were not able to attend “Interacting with the Generations in the Workplace” presentation from Fall Conference with Shelly Melroe, or like to see a repeat  – you’re in luck!   Check out the link below for viewing and learn how to collaberate with all generations in the workforce for maximum success without sacrificing principles along the way!

http://confluencyllc.com/http:/confluencyllc.com/generations-interacting-in-the-workforce/

Enjoying a beautiful Minnesota fall afternoon on Monday, Sept. 24, 35 NAMA members and guests toured river terminal grain facilities and ended with some fun at the Flat Earth Brewery. Aboard the bus, tour goers heard from Jim Boerboom, Deputy Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Jim set the stage, while in route, by highlighting the impact of agriculture on Minnesota’s economy, key issues facing agriculture today and the need to produce more food for the global growing population. 

The first stop CHS, Inc. Savage, Minn.,  demonstrated the technology, coordination and testing it takes to load up to 17 barge cars per day. Their state-of-the-art facility includes a quarter-mile conveyor that moves grain from the terminal to the barge loading dock. Tour participants observed trucks unloading grain, barge loading and the grain testing facility. 

The next stop, Peavey Grain Elevator, South Saint Paul, Minn., provided a first-hand view of how grain, fertilizer and other products are loaded, stored and transported using trucks, rail and barges. Their facility included an E-crane, designed to run on diesel or electricity.

The conclusion of our tour included a beer-tasting and dinner at The Flat Earth Brewery in Saint Paul. Tour participants received a personal tour of the brewery, the story of the brewery’s marketing/communication style, as well as beer-tasting. Everyone enjoyed a catered dinner from Rooster’s BBQ and the chance to network prior to the Fall Conference Meeting.

The NAMA 2012 Fall Conference was a big success with nearly 200  in attendance.  The new NAMA Fall Conference focused on celebrating leadership and recognizing those who are the leaders in the agri-marketing industry.

Attendees who made it to Minneapolis  early for the North Central Ag Tour had the chance to visit CHS Savage Terminal, Peavey Grain Elevator and Flat Earth Brewing.

The founder of the Rainforest Cafe, Steven Schussler, Schussler Creative, opened the  Fall Conference as keynote speaker.  “It’s a Jungle in There: Inspiring Lessons, Hard-Won Insights and Other Acts of Entrepreneurial Daring,” was the topic of his presentation. Steven is also the author of the bestselling book, “It’s a Jungle in There.”

Afternoon breakout sessions on the first day of Fall Conference targeted agri-marketers ready to move up the career ladder  and acquire game-changing professional development skills.

The day ended with a networking reception at SEVEN.   Attendees enjoyed complimentary appetizers and cocktails courtesy of  Broadhead.

Day two began with a session on “How to Make Things Happen When You’re Not in Charge” with Sheila Campbell, President, Wild Blue Yonder, Inc. Campbell urged the audience to foster relationships that make people want to help us.

Morning breakout sessions on day two included a discussion on crisis management, communicating with impact and moving up the ladder.  The audience gained insightful tips on how to fine-tune their leadership skills.

NAMA honored the  2012 Professional Development Awards of Excellence sponsored by Farm Progress Companies. These awards honor NAMA members with hands-on responsibility in marketing and communications, public relations, product/species management and sales.  Congratulations to Troy Schroeder – Broadhead, Justin Funk – Agri Studies Inc., Kevin Bien – AGCO and John Rozum – World Dairy Expo.

Wrapping up the conference was Aidan Connolly, Vice President Corporate Accounts, Alltech Inc.  Breakfast in China, afternoon presentation in Minneapolis at the NAMA Fall Conference. That was on Connolly’s schedule for the day.  Agribusiness is a worldwide business now and that means dealing with different languages and cultures. Aidan says “agriculture has never been so key to the world” and “food is a conversation that everyone wants to have.” He says that future leaders in agriculture need to be ready to travel, understand what’s going on in China, Brazil and India, have a sense of curiosity and a willingness to use new technology.

This meeting also marked the passing of the gavel from 2012 NAMA President Beth Burgy, Broadhead, to incoming president Paul Redhage, FMC Agricultural Products.

Congratulations to our incoming and existing officers!

President Elect – Kenna Rathai,  Kenna B. Rathai Communications
Secretary/Treasurer – Marvin Kokes, National Cattlemen’s Beef Assn.
Vice Presidents – Sally Behringer, MustangRED Communications
Matt Coniglio, Farm Progress Companies
Amy Bradford, GROWMARK, Inc.
Chuck Zimmerman, ZimmComm New Media
Amy Bugg, AdFarm
Sheri Seger, DTN/The Progressive Farmer

See additional  coverage and photos from the Fall Conference in Minneapolis on AgWired http://agwired.com/

The first ever NAMA Fall Conference is taking shape and filling up fast! And it’s right around the corner—September 25-26, 2012, in Minneapolis.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action! CHECK OUT WHO’S COMING. Download the attendee list.

Here’s what’s in store …

• Insightful Keynote Speaker. Steve Schussler, founder of Rainforest Cafe, is living proof that setting your goals high and staying focused pays off! He’ll share his secrets to success.
• Next Level Breakout Sessions. Created especially for agri-marketers ready to move up the career ladder and acquire game-changing professional development skills.
• Classic NAMA Networking. Rub shoulders with NAMA leadership and expand your circle of influential agri-marketing professionals.
• Leadership Celebration and Cultivation. Learn how to propel your career through NAMA.

But don’t wait. The seats are almost filled, and we want to see you there!  Click here for details Fall Conference.

Check out our weekly posts on Facebook and Twitter as we profile and honor our NAMA leaders.  These leaders will share their thoughts, wisdom, and experiences that helped shape their careers and developed them into the industry leaders they are today.

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