NAMA honored three members for professional development during its Wednesday luncheon. Honored in marketing communications was Paul Redhage, FMC Communications Manager; in Public Relations, Beth Anderson, Charleston Orwig; and in sales, Vernon Benes of Beck Ag. Below are video highlights of acceptance comments of those present.

2008 NAMA President Patty Travis passes the leadership gavel to incoming president Carol Anderson. The new president shared her thoughts about the challenges that lie ahead for NAMA and its membership.

How do businesses make rural lifestylers loyal customers? Craig Elbert, the Marketing Strategy Manger for Hallmark Cards had some ideas for the NAMA Trends in Agriculture: Rural Lifestyle Marketing conference. He talked about when markets change from traditional ag customers to rural lifestyle customers new strategies are needed to build long-term loyalty.

Yesterday’s reception provided Trends in Agriculture attendees a chance to see all the Best of NAMA entries. You could also play games at the same time.

I hope you’re enjoying Paulsen’s videos. I’m doing them audio only and have a couple more for you here:

Listen to my interview with Courtney Yuskis, Director of the Country Living Association, talk about the rural lifestyle survey they participated in here: Courtney Yuskis Interview (mp3)

Listen to my interview with Dan Duffy, CEO, United Country Real Estate, talk about what they’ve learned about marketing to this audience here: Dan Duffy Interview (mp3)

NAMA/NAFB Photo Album

The first speaker at the NAMA Trends in Agriculture conference was Franck Schuurmans, Non-Profit Practices for Decision Strategies International. He really made us work our brains early by speaking about strategies. For one thing he challenged everyone to not be so confident in “knowing what you know” as in “knowing what you don’t know.”

You’ve got to think about that a minute.

Hear some more words of his wisdom in my interview with him here: Franck Schuurmans Interview (mp3)

In the picture Franck is being interviewed by Paulsen AgriBranding because they are once again sponsoring the NAMA Blog and doing short videos of the speakers here.

NAMA/NAFB Photo Album

Day two of NAMA’s Trends in Agriculture: Rural Lifestyle Marketing kicked off with a discussion of the impact of new media on rural lifestylers. Susan Spalding of Market Directions and Courtney Yuskis of the Country Living Association looked at the products and services that are gaining the interest of Rural Lifestylers.

The NAMA Trends In Agriculture conference is underway in Kansas City.

Here’s what some of the attendees said was the reason they’re here: NAMA Trends Reasons (mp3)

You can see a photo album that’s combined with the NAFB Convention here: NAMA/NAFB Photo Album