The Agriculture Council of America hosted events in Washington, DC, March 12, to kick off the 2009 National Ag Day/Week celebrations. The events marked a nationwide effort to recognize the importance and contribution of agriculture every day in the lives of Americans. A number of producers, agricultural associations, corporations, students and government organizations involved in agriculture participated.

The annual Mix-and-Mingle Luncheon was held at the Cannon House Office Building. Approximately 50 student delegates from FFA, 4-H and AFA were in attendance.

The National Celebration of Agriculture Dinner followed the luncheon at the USDA Whitten Building Patio. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, was the guest speaker for the dinner. In addition, the 2009 Ag Day Essay contest national winner, Kelly Kohler, read her essay on the theme “Agriculture – Every Day in Every Way.”

“This year, the theme, Agriculture – Every Day in Every Way, was a great way to show how important agriculture is to everyone,” said Linda Tank, vice president for CHS Inc. “Kohler’s essay highlighted the many areas of agriculture that people encounter on a day-to-day basis.”

To read Kelly Kohler’s winning essay visit http://www.agday.org/media/09natlwinrelease.pdf.

This was the 36th anniversary of National Ag Day (March 20, 2009), which is celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country and is part of National Ag Week (March 15-21, 2009).

The deadline for making your reservations at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis for the 2009 Agri-Marketing Conference is March 17. Reservations made after this date are subject to higher rates and potential unavailability. Make sure you mention “NAMA” when making reservations.

All reservation requests will require a credit card guarantee or one night’s deposit. Deposits will be refunded by the hotel for rooms cancelled more than three (3) days prior to arrival.

Atlanta Marriott Marquis
265 Peachtree Center Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia 30303 USA
Phone: 1-404-521-0000
Fax: 1-404-586-6128

Room Rates:
Single $115.00
Double $115.00
Triple $133.00
Quad $150.00

Online Reservations
There are two blocks at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, one for students and one for professionals. You are now able to make your reservations on-line, just follow the links below:

Student Block – http://www.marriott.com/student

Professional Block – http://www.marriott.com/professionals

Registration

The early registration deadline is March 25. Register now for the agri-marketing event of the year. After March 25, registration rates will increase. Download and fill out the registration form and mail, fax or phone it in to the NAMA Office. You may also register on-line at http://nama.org/amc/2009amc/Default.aspx.

Please note: No “Bill Me’s” will be allowed after March 31, 2009.

Agribusiness Leader of the Year
NAMA has named Leon Westbrock, CHS Inc., Executive Vice President and COO, Energy, as the 2009 Agribusiness Leader of the Year. This award, which is NAMA’s highest honor, will be presented at the Opening General Session of the 2009 Agri-Marketing Conference, “Hot Ideas, Sizzling Solutions,” April 16, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. The award honors outstanding leaders in agribusiness, education, government service or other agribusiness related areas who exemplify excellence in agribusiness by their significant contributions to the industry.

It is no secret that the energy industry has been on a rollercoaster ride for nearly two years. In fact, while unprecedented volatility has made this market cycle especially difficult, the industry has been through many periods of highs and lows over the last two decades. Through it all, Leon Westbrock’s calm drive, inspirational and empowering leadership style, and clarity in balancing market economics, customer needs and company operations have made him the ideal leader for the CHS energy business.

Westbrock leads the multifaceted energy business of CHS Inc., a Fortune 200 company providing essential resources in energy, grains and foods. CHS is the nation’s largest member-owned business (cooperative) and runs the largest cooperative-owned energy business in the United States. He is responsible for refineries, pipelines and terminals, and sale of refined fuels (gasoline, gasoline-ethanol blends, diesel fuel, biodiesel), lubricants and propane primarily marketed under the Cenex® brand through more than 1,600 Cenex branded retailers in 22 states.

Westbrock has learned the energy business and developed his deep leadership skills from the ground up. Beginning with childhood on a 640-acre grain-and-dairy farm in western Minnesota, then adding a degree in English from St. Cloud State University, a tour in the U.S. Army and a few years of teaching junior and senior high school English, Westbrock discovered his calling in the cooperative system. Beginning as a marketing intern for what was then called CENEX in 1976, then moving through member cooperative management and many positions in the energy area, Westbrock has never forgotten the importance of understanding what the customer needs, then working to meet those needs with both company and customer interests in mind.

He combines excellent people management with strategic capital investment and a farsighted approach to building the energy business within a rapidly changing world.

In 1997, Westbrock helped forge a joint venture between CHS and rival Farmland Industries to combine energy marketing platforms and resources. While difficult to establish and largely unexpected in the industry, this move was critical to long-term viability of the Cenex brand. “Leon also has the unique ability to create trust and partnerships, even with competing companies,” says Anwer Hussain, senior vice president, lubricants, CHS. “Leon’s leadership enabled formation of Country Energy (the joint venture), which ultimately resulted in CHS acquiring Farmland’s energy business. Without his vision, it would have been difficult to build and grow the Cenex brand profitably.”

Business partners have long appreciated Westbrock’s analysis and support. Terrence Bohman, president & CEO, Universal Cooperatives, Inc., says, “Our growth and expansion would not have been possible without Leon’s dedicated and proactive leadership as board chairman of Universal Cooperatives.”

“Our board has always relied on Leon for a marketing perspective,” adds Jim Loving, president of National Cooperative Refinery Association (NCRA). “Whether the issue is crude oil sources, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or future diesel demand, we count on Leon for sound advice and input.”

Companies who supply services to CHS have long appreciated Westbrock’s intelligent approach. “What I love about Leon is that he challenges you to ensure you are grounded in your views,” says Phil Johnson, chief operating officer, Colle+McVoy. “He is willing to do things that are unconventional – like pursuing green causes years before it was popular – instead of taking the path of least resistance. He has pushed the CHS energy business to grow in areas that were not short-term wins, but were smart long-term investments. They were not the easiest course to take, but right for the company.”

As a cooperative, CHS provides patronage to its member cooperatives based on the products they buy, grain they sell and services they use, and determined by the overall financial performance of those businesses. Eligible members receive a portion of their patronage in cash, with the remainder becoming equity (ownership) in CHS. Higher corporate profitability enables CHS to return higher amounts of patronage to its cooperative customers.

Westbrock’s drive to increase value to customers while prudently using resources has resulted in consecutive years of record profits and record energy patronage to customers, with refined fuels patronage increasing from 2.70 cents per gallon in fiscal 2003 to 20.93 cents per gallon for purchases made in fiscal 2007, a 670 percent increase.

As a knowledgeable, trusted industry representative, Westbrock is frequently called on to provide insight to groups from member cooperatives to state and national political leaders. He willingly shares his time with these groups, helping to educate them and learning at the same time.

“Leon has always been willing to and has often helped with state and federal affairs issues,” says Bob Looney, vice president, Government Affairs, CHS. “He sets a great example by being involved with governmental affairs and that has trickled down to others in the energy business unit. In addition, federal officials and their staff members want trusted friends they can turn to for information and analysis of complex issues.” Westbrock engages in active dialogue with officials and staffers, explaining CHS businesses and what they should know about the role of energy and cooperatives in agribusiness and throughout the economy.

“He is generous with his time and is very comfortable working with many audiences,” Looney adds. “Leon is willing to change his busy schedule and react very quickly to our needs in Washington, D.C., or throughout the CHS trade area.

NAMA Marketer of the Year

NAMA has honored Jon Anderson, President of OPEN ROADS, with the NAMA Marketer of the Year award. The award will be presented during the Second General Session of the 2009 Agri-Marketing Conference, “Hot Ideas, Sizzling Solutions ” on Thursday, April 16 at 11:00 a.m. in Atlanta, Georgia and is sponsored by AgriMarketing magazine.

NAMA recognizes its active members with senior management of marketing and/or sales responsibilities with the NAMA Marketer of the Year award. This award is NAMA’s most prestigious honor awarded to active members of the association and honors outstanding accomplishments in the field of agri-marketing

Jon Anderson, along with two of his colleagues, created OPEN ROADS, a business growth and development services firm, in 2002. Last year, Anderson and his team at OPEN ROADS celebrated their five-year anniversary of the firm. Starting their business with no clients and no business, Anderson has helped grow OPEN ROADS into a highly successful business growth and development firm. Their business now includes 12 clients, a half dozen consulting associates and billings exceeding $1 million for several years running. Capitalizing on his skill and vision, the company’s innovative business structure and outside the box service offerings make OPEN ROADS somewhat unique in agriculture.

Anderson was a leader in the launch of Syngenta’s Callisto herbicide, which deservedly won Best of Show at the NAMA national awards competition in advertising, for its innovative positioning as a weed control agent derived from natural origins. The active ingredient in Callisto is now the number one selective herbicide active ingredient in the world. Since 2005, Anderson, the OPEN ROADS leader on this account, has successfully repositioned the iconic Harvestore brand. The firm attributes their achievement to a communications strategy that was highly public relations-oriented versus mass media, focus groups conducted, in-depth dealer “heart-to-heart” market research, new websites and electronic communications, and the results from consulting with the company for new programs to improve parts, service and financing. All this was achieved with a limited budget, but led by Anderson’s rich leadership. (Not only did Anderson’s work with the Harvestore brand result in successful business placement, it also placed the story on the cover of AgriMarketing in October, 2006.)

As an expert in business growth and development, Anderson earns the trust of C-Level corporate leaders in his efforts to help their companies post growth in market share and sales volume, working closely with internal teams and leading external groups to get the job done.

A specific example of Anderson’s ability to demonstrate initiative that has contributed to the overall marketing and sales of a company’s success, is highlighted in the story of Engineered Storage Products Company (ESPC). Armed with a solid revitalization business plan based on extensive market research, Anderson led an enthusiastic new owner of ESPC – owner of Harvestore, Slurrystore and other related products – to begin aggressively reintroducing itself to the North American ag market.

In just 18 months, the results were just short of spectacular, revenues jumped 25%, new Harvestore structure sales increased more than 200%, Slurrystore sales were up 200%, and pre-owned structure sales were climbing. Sales within the ag market were topping $15 million, allowing five new dealerships to be added in the past two years.

His involvement with the Badger NAMA Chapter is extensive, chairing its annual golf outing for over 10 years, as well as supporting the young, newest members of the agricultural marketing industry. Furthermore, he truly cares about the industry’s young people, and is an excellent role model thanks to his integrity, his personality and his dedication to the people and causes he believes in. He exemplifies this as his continues to be involved in the critiquing and practice rounds for the student marketing competition. In addition, Anderson developed and presented a building a personal branding strategy to the student group. The presentation focused around how to develop and build a personal brand, offering his expertise and mentoring skills. Students gained the ability to focus on their visions for the future, allowing them to create steps to start the journey.

Throughout his career he has continued to have a truly unwavering commitment to agriculture. He has continued to dedicate his visions, talents and energy to the betterment of the agricultural industry.

His leadership style shines through as he is extremely strong at developing the core strategy and key messages behind a product’s sales success. To compliment this development, Anderson demonstrates his ability to implement sound, disciplined programs that highlight solid company strategies and communicate messages clearly and efficiently.

Note: You must be registered for the Agri-Marketing Conference to be able to attend the workshops.

Wednesday, April 15 ~ 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Pre-Conference Workshop: Charting Your Course in Uncharted Waters – Strategic Decision Making in Uncertain Times
Kevin Ochsner, Partner, Adayana Agri Business Group

If you’re coming in early for the Agri-Marketing Conference and are looking for something to do, take part in the Pre-Conference Workshop with Kevin Ochsner, Partner at Adayana Agri Business Group.

Volatile commodity markets, bank failures, government bailouts. These are only a few of the events that have caused turmoil and created a sense of uncertainty and anxiety about the future. Regardless of the storms that may be brewing around us, business leaders can’t simply postpone decisions until calmer seas prevail. Turbulent times create incredible opportunities. Navigating through these waters demands answers to questions like:

1. What are the fundamental drivers of change that are reshaping our business/industry?
2. What assumptions am I making about the future and what if I’m wrong?
3. What are the biggest uncertainties that could impact our business/industry?

If you have found yourself asking any of these questions, this session is for you! This preconference workshop is designed for anyone who has responsibility for developing internal business plans or helping clients anticipate, respond and react to the volatility and change impacting their business. Participants will gain insight into the key principles of scenario-planning and will be introduced to some tools that can be helpful in making both business and personal decisions.

Thursday, April 16 ~ 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Senior Management Workshop: What Customers Really Want
Scott McKain, Vice Chairman of Obsidian Enterprises and co-founder of the Value Added Institute

The Senior Management Workshop occurs simultaneously with the first round of Breakout Sessions.

In today’s marketplace, a quality product/service is no longer enough to grab the customer’s attention or guarantee repeat business. Customers expect to be amazed and astounded or they do business elsewhere! Join this session – designed exclusively for senior management – to learn a three-step plan for success:

1. Create a high concept to sharpen focus on your unique strengths.
2. Use the power of story to create an emotional connection between your organization and customers/employees.
3. Design the ultimate customer experience that thrills clients and employees.

Plus, discover how to get your team to execute this new, innovative vision. Scott McKain is author of The Collapse of Distinction and What Customers Really Want, as well as Vice Chairman of Obsidian Enterprises.

To register for the Agri-Marketing Conference and these workshops visit http://nama.org/amc/2009amc/Default.aspx.

If you are already registered for the conference, but did not sign up for the workshops yet, please visit the links below to register for just the workshops.

Pre-Conference Workshop: http://www.nama.org/amc/reserveworkshop.htm
Senior Management Workshop: http://www.nama.org/amc/seniorworkshop.html

Opening General Session
Thursday, April 16 ~ 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

The Collapse of Distinction
Scott McKain makes it clear that today’s playing field is more competitive than ever. To connect—and maintain a relationship with—discerning customers, you must differentiate yourself and your business. In this session, he’ll share clear approaches for how to stand out in the market. You’ll learn how to deliver unique value to increasingly demanding and sophisticated customers.

Discover the specific steps you need to take right now to stand out from the crowd. Explore the origins of stifling sameness and gain strategies for rising above and beyond the status quo.

Scott is a highly successful business professional, author and commentator. He has proven that the concepts he presents actually work in the real world!

He is the Vice Chairman of Obsidian Enterprises, a company he helped found just a few years ago that now generates $100 million in annual revenue. Obsidian has been named as one of the “fastest growing companies” in the United States.

He is the co-founder of the Value Added Institute, a “think tank” exploring the role of customer experiences in creating enhanced client loyalty and revenue for visionary organizations. He is the author of two #1 business bestsellers: ALL Business is Show Business, and his most recent book, What Customers Really Want, which has just been released in paperback.

This session is sponsored by American Business Media Agri Council.

Second General Session
Thursday, April 16 ~ 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Innovation in Marketing: Challenge Assumptions
Right now, there are dozens of companies producing the same services and products that you are – only better, faster, cheaper. The only way to maintain a competitive advantage is by thinking differently and generating innovative solutions. Andy Cohen can show you how.

Debunking long-held notions about customers and industry models, he shows us how to market more effectively by emotionally connecting with consumers, how to explore and develop ideas, and even how to reframe a market segment. Using sleight of hand and other illusions, he teaches us how to be more creative, explore our ability to innovate and leverage our strengths for a true competitive advantage.

Using case studies from major brands and corporations such as Coca-Cola, OnStar and ING, he will get your creative juices flowing. You’ll leave with action steps you can put to work immediately.

As a best-selling author and practitioner, Andy has developed keen insights into what drives high-performing companies and what distinguishes their approaches to customers, employees and leadership. A respected marketing guru, Andy has worked with some of the biggest names in business, including American Express, AOL, Charles Schwab, L’Oreal, Novartis, HSBC, Club Med, Merrill Lynch, P&G and Clorox. He has produced award-winning work, even picking up a coveted EFFIE award from the American Marketing Association for the highest excellence in combining creativity with results. Prior to his role as an innovation speaker, he founded Exposed Brick, an award-winning advertising agency that pioneers relationship marketing through electronic and digital media.

This session is sponsored by Syngenta.

Closing General Session
Friday, April 17 ~ 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 Noon

Managing the Margins of Greatness
Want to know the difference between good and great?

Here’s your chance. Over the years, David Okerlund has been able to observe the leadership styles and habits of many Fortune 500 companies as well as smaller, more intimate organizations.

He has taken those observations and matched them up against three unquestionable persons of greatness in modern America: Warren Buffet, Thunderbirds’ Commander Ron Mumm and baseball’s great Ozzie Smith. And from their input, David has digested their vaulted secrets into four core values that are the linchpins of personal and organizational success. The “Margins of Greatness” is a special realm of performance that sets professionals apart in leadership, sales and service. Hear how to utilize these powerful tenets in your organization and make yourself an indispensable part of the team.

One part humor, one part raw intelligence, Okerlund entertains and informs. Finish your conference experience with an International Hall of Fame Speaker-live and in person!

An Acclaimed Thought Leader and Author
Among the most requested speakers for repeat appearances, Okerlund’s sessions are highly interactive. An award-winning orator, he has over 25 years of training experience in communications, persuasion and advocacy, employee enrichment and empowerment, sales training and creativity/innovation.

David has given over 2,500 speeches to over 1,000,000 people worldwide. He taught speech and debate at Oxford University in England. Okerlund is among the very few to successfully cross over from the academic podium to the professional platform. He is a poet, a newspaper columnist and author of four books to date, including the 7 Traits of Dynamic Leaders in Leadership Roles due out this year.

This session is sponsored by Cattlemen’s Beef Board and Elanco Animal Health.

To register for the Agri-Marketing Conference, visit http://nama.org/amc/2009amc/Default.aspx.

Donations are needed for the 2009 ABEF Silent Auction, held during the Agri-Marketing Conference, April 15-17 in Atlanta.

Please join your agri-marketing peers in supporting this worthwhile effort by donating to the auction. Fill out the on-line Pledge Form at http://www.nama.org/abef/silentauction/pledgeform.htm to indicate your donation and/or interest in the project by March 20, 2009, to be included in the auction catalog. Any worthwhile product or service will be gratefully accepted.

Please show your support of the ABEF and donate what you can (minimum of $50 value suggested). All proceeds from the Silent Auction support the NAMA Student Careers Program.

Please note that all media and service packages will be auctioned on-line. The on-line auction will take place at the end of March.

For more information on the ABEF and the Silent and On-Line Auctions visit, http://www.nama.org/abef/abef.html.

To make a pledge to the Auction visit, http://www.nama.org/abef/silentauction/pledgeform.htm.

For more information about the 2009 Agri-Marketing Conference visit, http://www.nama.org/amc.

The 2009 Agri-Marketing Conference contains breakout sessions that are full of Hot Ideas that will leave you Sizzling with Solutions! Check out what we’ve got in store for you…

Note: We are gathering data from members for two of the breakout sessions.  Scroll down to the Social Media and Cause Marketing sessions to participate in these surveys.

Thursday, April 16 ~ 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Building Trust – Making Your Audience Part of the Act
Andy Cohen, Founder, Exposed Brick

Trust is an occupational hazard for a magician. And, without trust, magic tricks are lost on an audience. The same is true for marketers. Trust is pivotal in business relationships. This session reveals the three crucial principles of generating trust in magic: choice, control and preengagement.

No white gloves, top hats or wands. But a demonstration of how to best utilize the principles in business to build long-lasting relationships with customers…and how to prevent customer disappearing acts.

Hear business case histories from M&M’s former Google executives and one of the world’s most recognized brands on how to apply these principles.

Sustainability: Can Agriculture Deliver?
Sarah Stokes Alexander, Director of Sustainability and Leadership Programs, The Keystone Center
Janet Reed, Associate Director of Environmental Research, Cotton, Inc.
Doyle Karr, Director, Pioneer Communications

Everyone’s talking about sustainability. Consumers are demanding it. But does agriculture have a solution? Learn about new findings and tried-and-true best practices within the arena. Clue into an industry expert’s theories and create some of your own.

Come hear about a new coalition developed to answer key questions about sustainability and learn what other leaders are doing to position themselves for success in this landscape. How can you prepare for a sustainable future? Attend this session, led by Sarah Stokes Alexander, and you’ll be faced with practical knowledge that can easily be put to use.

Tapping the Power of Innovation to Create Sizzling Solutions
Margaret Oldham (Moderator), Director, Beck Ag, Inc.
Aidan Connolly, Vice President, Alltech
Barry Nelson, Manager of Media and Channel Relations, John Deere
Kathie Thomas, Director of Innovation, Fleishman-Hillard

Surveys show that CEOs and top managers of global corporations are convinced that innovation and creativity are critical to the future success of their companies. According to the Council on Competitiveness, innovation will be the single most important factor in determining success in America in the 21st century. But, how can you help drive innovation in your organization? Is there an innovation process?

This session will explore how leading companies approach innovation, identify the future value and provide proven tips and strategies to help you inspire and promote innovation in your organization.

What’s Hot In Media Research
Mike Parry, Marketing Consultant, National Association of Farm Broadcasting

Times are changing – and so is media research. Hear the results from two groundbreaking studies. First, a representative from Forrester Research will explore a study that reveals the impact of digital media on farmers and ranchers. The research assessed Internet usage patterns, including time spent online for farming/ranching purposes and visitation patterns and frequencies for agriculture-specific web sites.

Then, get the inside story on NAFB’s National Producer Media-UseWave Study© research. This study has reset discussions about marketer and agency use of agrimedia-including radio, television and the Internet.

Thursday, April 16 ~ 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Power Up Your Career
Erika Brandt (Moderator), Marketing & Comm. Manager, AgCareers.com
Phil Johnson, Chief Operating Officer, Colle + McVoy
Sharon Thomas, Senior Account Manager, Management Recruiters of Iowa City Experience
Jim Emanuel, Recruiting & Training Manager, Golden Harvest Seeds

It’s time to put your career in overdrive – and this session will get you moving! The panel will help you become a more relationship-minded and results focused player on your organization’s team. Learn how to get noticed for your hard work – and be seen as an essential asset.

Plus, discover:

1. the qualities and experiences agricultural companies find most valuable
2. how to add value to an organization
3. the importance of effective networking and how to do it successfully

After the session, you’ll walk away armed with the knowledge to keep your career in the fast lane.

Thriving During Times of Uncertainty, Volatility and Change
Kevin Ochsner (Moderator), Partner, Adayana Agri Business Group
Thomas Larson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Business Solutions
Julian Garcia, Group Director-Marketing, Pfizer Animal Health

These are best of times! These are the worst of times! The dynamic change and volatility occurring in our industry, and our general economy, is creating extraordinary challenges and enormous opportunities.

Hear industry leaders discuss the trends that are driving change and creating unparalleled uncertainty and opportunity in their respective industry segments. Discover how several leading organizations are managing the complexity and risk associated with volatile and unpredictable market environments. Find out what you can do to help your company and your customers not just survive, but thrive during these unprecedented and uncertain times.

Kevin Ochsner will be joined by several executives, including those listed here, to reveal how the ideas presented in the pre-conference session can be effectively applied in forward-thinking organizations.

New Faces, New Decision Makers, New Marketing Ideas: Marketing To Multicultural Customers
Brian Rund (Moderator), Marketing Services Manager, Nufarm
Richard Hamilton, Associate Trainer, EthnoConnect™
Sal Gomez, National Accounts Manager and Associate Publisher, Progressive Dairy Publishing

You don’t need to look far to see how the faces of American agriculture are changing – evidence is probably on the nearest farm or ranch. The proportion of agricultural employees and decision makers from other cultures has increased dramatically in the past few years. Many now hold ownership or management positions.

Learning to market effectively to these audiences is not just about learning the language; it’s about understanding a culture. In this fast-paced, dynamic session, you’ll learn:

• why traditional marketing doesn’t work with everyone.
• how to determine exactly which cultures are in your market area.
• when to use in-language or English copy.
• how to utilize spokespersons and celebrities.
• how to avoid cultural missteps and gaffes.

Creating Brands People Love
Donna Heckler, Brand Strategy Lead, Monsanto

Looking to improve your successful brand or strengthen a more challenged one? In this session, you’ll get smart about the logistics of branding with Donna Heckler, co-author of The Truth About Creating Brands People Love.

As a leading brand expert, she’ll provide a focus as to how to define brand promises paired with the validity of powerful messaging. With easy-to-use techniques, you’ll learn how to effectively manage your brand.

She’ll cover:

• secrets to keeping brands simple and consistent.
• the difference between products and brands.
• the values of brand loyalty.
• maintaining a consistent brand that customers trust.

Vivid case studies and common industry mistakes will help you realize what works, and what doesn’t…and how to promote your brand better. You’ll take away ideas to maintain a powerful, practical and purposeful brand.

Friday, April 17 ~ 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

The Large Grower’s Perspective
Stephanie Liska (Moderator), CEO, Beck Ag, Inc.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions…we are all trying to guess.What’s going to make a difference next year, what idea or tactic will drive producers to say “yes” to adopt a new product, solution or service? Let’s find out. A representative from Purdue University’s Center for Food and Agricultural Business will be joined by three large commercial producers representing different segments of the industry to provide insight on how ever-evolving market conditions and opportunities are changing decisions.

The Purdue representative will review findings from from the 2008 Commercial Producer Study, which highlights grower’s buying behaviors, where they are getting their information, how they are connecting with their industry and significant factors playing into a producer’s decision.

Performing Under Pressure
David Okerlund, International Speaking Sensation

It’s a challenge we face daily. Project to project, day to day, we struggle to find ways to do more with less. Less time, fewer resources, a lack of patience. How can we produce better work, faster?

This session focuses on the ability to be more creative with less time and fewer resources. David Okerlund, a seasoned stress management instructor and creativity workshop leader, shares the tools to overcome the challenge. His proven theories are effective and simple. He’ll discuss productivity solutions specific to ag and offer ways to reverse assumptions to prevent stressful situations. What’s more? You’ll gain tactics that bring creative ideas to fruition faster…with better results.

Social Media DOES Fit in Your Marketing Strategy – Moving Beyond This Decision
Chuck Zimmerman (Moderator), President, ZimmComm New Media, LLC
Dave Coustan, Vice President, Digital, Edelman Digital
Kyle Flaherty, Director of Marketing and Social Media, BreakingPoint Systems
David Brazeal, General Manager, Learfield Data

Note: Help us collect data for this session. Please take the short Social Networking Survey for the NAMA Convention

Forums, blogs, podcasts, photos, video, Facebook, YouTube…Social media is everywhere these days. It is no longer a question whether social media fits your marketing strategy. Now it’s a decision of, “How? Where? What type?” Learn how to take the first steps in answering these questions and working to complement existing strategies.

The panelists, from both inside and outside of the agriculture industry, will share real-life examples of social media successes and failures. Take their hot ideas and lessons learned to create sizzling solutions that make your organization stand out!

Moving From Win-Win to Win-Win-Win with Cause Marketing
Steve Drake, President and Owner, Drake & Company

Note: Help us collect data for this session. Take this short survey at Marketing presentation in Atlanta. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2bttTjLhBQfgruP742fNJ9g_3d_3d.

Cause marketing involves the cooperative efforts of for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations for mutual benefit. Research shows that:

• 89% of Americans believe corporations and nonprofits should work together to raise money and awareness for causes.
• 79% would switch from one brand to another brand (same in price and quality) if the other brand is associated with a good cause.
• 85% have a more positive image of a company when it supports a cause they care about.

So what does that mean for you? It’s time to discover how to channel the power of cause marketing to excite consumers and employees, develop creative partnerships and gain exposure to new markets. In this revealing session, Steve Drake will give you an inside look at a 2008 Summit Award Winning cause-inspired marketing campaign. You’ll walk away with ideas and direction for your own cause marketing campaign.

Breakout Sessions sponsored by FMC Corp., Mosaic Company, National Cotton Council and Bader Rutter & Associates.

To register for the 2009 Agri-Marketing Conference, please visit http://nama.org/amc/2009amc/Default.aspx.