NAMA Chapter Leaders got together to lunch and learn. In a morning session they discussed the challenges they face and created a plan to address those challenges.

One of the presenters was Greg Ehm, Two Rivers Marketing, pictured in the blue shirt. I spoke to him at the lunch that followed their workshop.

Greg says that one of the biggest issues that came up was “time.” It seems like there are so many things competing for our time today that sometimes chapters are suffering from not enough member involvement. Greg says that the NAMA office has hired someone to help chapters with their challenges. I’m going to find her for an interview and introduce you to her soon.

You can listen to my interview with Greg here: Interview with Greg Ehm (2 min MP3)

The NAMA Blog is sponsored by Successful Farming.

Student NAMA members are all dressed up for their preliminary heats in the annual marketing competition. You can see them getting together in groups for photos in various locations.

There’s a student lunch today which I’m going to try to visit for a while. Exhibitors will be setting up for the Connection Point and I’ve got to get that taken care of too.

Other items on the agenda today include the Chapter Leader Workshop, Board meeting, First Timer Reception, Best of NAMA and the Connection Point opening reception.

The NAMA Blog is sponsored by Successful Farming.

The 2008 Agri-Marketing Conference is underway. I just got in a little while ago and picked up my registration packet. Lots of stuff in there. I’m looking forward to being your NAMA Blogger once again.

The lobby of the Hyatt looks beautiful as usual and you can’t miss registration.

I’ve started a convention photo album and will be added to periodically over the coming days so make sure you check it often: 2008 Agri-Marketing Conference Photo Album

The NAMA Blog is sponsored by Successful Farming.

The Agri-Marketing Conference is a just over a week away! Register now at http://www.nama.org/amc/register.html and you will have a badge ready in Kansas City!

We’re excited that the 2008 Agri-Marketing Conference is in Kansas City, Missouri. Join us, April 16-18, for an informative, enlightening and invigorating conference that will help Lead the Charge in your career!

To view the conference program and see our outstanding line-up of speakers, visit http://nama.org/amc.

Silent Auction Donations Still Needed!

Donations are still needed for the ABEF Silent Auction that will be held at the 2008 Agri-Marketing Conference, April 16-18. Find a home for that special edition wildlife print or even those sports tickets and surplus company logo jackets. Or give a media package or services, and support the ABEF at the same time.

Please join your agri-marketing peers in supporting this worthwhile effort by donating to the auction.

Fill out the online pledge form at http://www.nama.org/abef/silentauction/pledgeform.htm.

For more information contact Jenny Pickett at [email protected] or call 913-491-6500.

ABEF Online Media Auction

Place your bids now! The ABEF Online Media Auction ends Wednesday, April 2 at 5:00 p.m. New packages were added to the auction on Friday, so take another look at the media packages available at http://www.nama.org/abef/silentauction/bidco.htm. All proceeds from the Online Media Auction benefit the Student Careers Program.

If during the closing 30 minutes of the auction a bid is entered on an item, the bidding on that item will be extended for another 24 hour period (if this occurs on a Friday, the bidding will remain open until 5:00 p.m. (CST) on the following Monday). This process will continue until no higher bids are received during the last 30 minutes of the auction.

If you have any questions about the Online Media Auction contact Kathi Conrad at [email protected] or call 913-491-6500.

The Agri-Business Educational Foundation (ABEF) will be hosting the annual Golf Outing, Tuesday, April 15. Gather your foursome and enjoy a relaxing day of golf before the 2008 Agri-Marketing Conference begins.

The ABEF Golf Outing will take place at the Falcon Lakes Golf Club. A chartered bus will leave the hotel at 11:30 a.m. to take everyone to the golf course. A boxed lunch will be provided. Tee time begins at 1:00 p.m. A golf awards ceremony and reception will follow the outing at the golf course. The price is $125 per golfer.

Falcon Lakes is a pleasure to play over and over again. The non-threatening environment of the golf course and friendly service and amenities creates an enjoyable atmosphere for everyone to experience. We look forward to seeing you at Falcon Lakes.

To register for the Golf Outing visit, http://nama.org/amc/golfregister.htm.

ABEF Golf Outing Sponsorship Information
Show your support and sponsor a hole. Hole sponsorships are still available.

To sign up for a sponsorship on-line visit, http://www.nama.org/amc/golfsponsor.htm or contact Bob Brunker at [email protected].

Special thanks to our current ABEF Golf Outing Sponsors:

Beverage Carts (2 available)
Blasdel Cleaver Schwalbe Communications
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica

Hole Sponsors (18 available)
Ayres Kahler
Charleston/Orwig
Iowa Farmer Today
John Deere
LEE Agri-MEDIA
J.L. Farmakis

Take a trip through the Connection Point before you arrive at the 2008 Agri-Marketing Conference. Determine where booths will be located and find out more about the companies participating before the event.

Visit the Virtual Trade Show at http://nama.org/amc/ts/virtual.htm.