Chances are if you’ve picked up a magazine, browsed a supermarket aisle or checked out billboards, you may have noticed an unusual, square black/white graphic in the corner of an increasing number of advertisements and labels.

Quick response (QR) codes are two dimensional bar codes intended to be read by camera-equipped mobile phones or smartphones – and they’re beginning to get a foothold in the many marketing campaigns across the globe. Information encoded in the code can direct the viewer to additional product advertising, coupons, sweepstakes, online sales, subscription services, traffic driving incentives, contact information, etc., all with a simple swipe of their phone.  Additionally, some print media are using QR codes to direct readers to online videos, product information or other value-added content to help support their stories.

But how can QR codes fit into agriculture marketing and media?

Join Ken Rohman, SVP and Director of Digital Services at archer>malmo, as he presents NAMA’s next webinar on Thursday, March 10, at 1:00 pm central time.  Ken has spent the last ten years in the trenches of interactive and digital marketing.  His background includes digital strategy formulation and deployment, along with key tactical elements.

He will discuss QR codes, how they work, and creative ways they’ve already been used in marketing and media.  Additionally, he’ll discuss the possibilities of QR codes as a viable option for agricultural companies and publications.

In the meantime, you can find some additional information on QR codes at:

• General description of QR codes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_codes
• Example of QR codes in the media: http://entertainment.ralphlauren.com/magazine/editorial/fa08/QR_Code.asp

Cost for the webinar is $50. To register, please visit http://www.nama.org/ConferenceRegistration/Default.aspx?confid=33.

Please plan to participate in an upcoming survey about corporate social responsibility that will be sent to all NAMA members. The survey is being conducted by an agricultural communications graduate student at Texas A&M University.

The survey will focus on your perceptions of corporate social responsibility, particularly related to roles you have in public relations. The results of the survey will be shared as part of a breakout session at the 2011 NAMA conference.

Within the next few days, you will receive a link to the survey from Texas A&M via e-mail. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Thank you for your time and help in providing this important information.

ABEF announces Vision2020 initiative; expands support for education and professional development in Ag business, marketing, communications

The Agri-Business Educational Foundation (ABEF) has recently announced new efforts to further advance its core mission of supporting and developing future Agribusiness leaders. Named ‘Vision2020,’ the new initiative seeks to raise up to $4 million over the next 10 years for college student scholarships, student and young professional development programs, and support of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) Student Program. Funding may also be made available for outreach to high school juniors and seniors, promoting careers in ag business, marketing and communications.

Mick Sibbel, President of Sibbel & Partners, also serves as Chair of the ABEF Operating Committee. “Since 1990, ABEF has been a volunteer-driven organization serving the interests and needs of ag business college students and young professionals, “says Sibbel. “And, over the years, we have relied on a core group of strong individual and corporate supporters.” However, to accomplish the new Vision2020 goals, ABEF will need to embark on an aggressive fundraising campaign, advises Sibbel.

The fundraising efforts are being led by the staff of NAMA which manages ABEF, as well as Mike Gustafson, owner, Deer’s Landing Communications. “With today’s interest in the ag business, its current and emerging opportunities, ABEF’s mission becomes even more vital,” reports Gustafson. “Employers are discovering it’s more and more difficult to find qualified individuals in Ag business, marketing and communications. We need to attract more young people to the industry, support their education, and help them network and develop in the professional environment. Our hope is that our current ABEF partners, future corporate sponsors and private individuals will join us in this renewed effort.”

ABEF works with donors to accept a variety of funding options including program sponsorships, annual unrestricted and restricted gifts, and endowments. For more information, contact the ABEF offices at 913-491-6500, or Mike Gustafson at 217-251-3659.

About the ABEF

A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Agri-Business Educational Foundation (ABEF) is the only foundation whose sole mission is the development and advancement of careers in ag business, marketing, and communications. So, for today’s Student NAMA members at more than 30 universities and colleges, ABEF offers not only valuable scholarships, but also opportunities to develop leadership skills, learn marketing processes, and interact with business professionals. More information can be found at www.NAMA.org/ABEF. Gifts to the ABEF may be tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor.

Early registration deadline is March 18, 2011

The early registration deadline for the Agri-Marketing Conference is Friday, March 18. Register today to avoid higher rates after March 18.

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://www.nama.org/ConferenceRegistration/Default.aspx?confid=28.

Please note: No “Bill Me’s” will be allowed after March 30, 2011. All “Bill Me’s” will need to be secured with a credit card.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations until March 24 are entitled to a full refund. Cancellations from March 25 to April 4 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be given after April 4. All refunds will be subject to a $25 processing fee. No “Bill Me’s” will be accepted after March 30.

Hotel Cut-Off Date ~ March 18, 2011
The hotel cut-off date is March 18, 2011. Reservations made after March 18 are subject to higher rates and potential unavailability. Hurry and make your reservations today before the block fills up!

The Hyatt Regency Crown Center is the hotel for the 2011 Agri-Marketing Conference. 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 canceled more than three (3) days prior to arrival.

Hyatt Regency Crown Center
2345 McGee Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 421-1234

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

Professional Block: https://resweb.passkey.com/go/Professional

Student Block: https://resweb.passkey.com/go/student1

Reserve your booth for 2011 Connection Point at the Agri-Marketing Conference today to receive discounted rates on equipment rental for your booth. Discounted rates for ordering your booth equipment ends March 31.

Every year at the Agri-Marketing Conference, professionals involved with selling products and services into the agricultural marketplace gather to explore the latest in techniques, trends and practices.

A number of key conference activities are scheduled to take place in the Connection Point, ensuring conference attendees have ample opportunities to acquaint (or re-acquaint!) themselves with your products or services.

Receptions
On Wednesday, April 13, immediately after the Best of NAMA Ceremony, the Connection Point opens with a Celebration Reception. The Thursday evening reception offers attendees the chance to meet new people and share ideas after the first full day of conference activities.

Lunch & Refreshment Breaks
On Thursday, April 14, lunch will be served in the Connection Point as well as refreshments during the afternoon break, offering additional opportunities to network.

Drawings
Prize drawings at the end of each session (four) and a grand prize drawing at the Thursday evening reception help encourage conference attendees to leave their business cards at booths in the Connection Point. A bingo activity during Thursday’s luncheon helps generate additional booth activity.

Virtual Trade Show
As an exhibitor at the Connection Point you will also be featured as an exhibitor in the Virtual Trade Show at no additional charge. Trade show attendees can determine where you will be located and find out more about your organization before the event. Simply email a brief description, company logo and a link to your website to [email protected]. . .we take care of the rest!

Register for the 2011 Agri-Marketing Conference today and reserve your booth at the same time by visiting http://www.nama.org/ConferenceRegistration/Default.aspx?confid=28.

If you want to reserve booth space without registering for the conference visit http://www.nama.org/amc/ts/signup.htm.

Download the Trade Show brochure at http://www.nama.org/amc/ts/brochure.pdf.

Wouldn’t you rather be swinging a golf club than shoveling snow? Spring is less than a month away and we’ve got the cure for your winter blues! It’s time to start thinking about your golf game again!

Join us Tuesday, April 12 for the ABEF Golf Outing prior to the 2011 Agri-Marketing Conference in Kansas City. Gather your foursome and put those winter blues behind you while enjoying a day of golf.

The Agri-Business Educational Foundation (ABEF) Golf Outing will take place at the WinterStone Golf Course. A chartered bus will leave the hotel at 11:30 a.m. to take everyone to the golf course and a boxed lunch will be provided. Tee time begins at 1:00 p.m. An awards ceremony and reception will cap your day on the greens. Cost for the outing is $150 per golfer.

The ABEF Golf Outing is a great place to network and just have a good time with other NAMA members and guests. You do not need to be registered for the Agri-Marketing Conference to attend the Golf Outing.

If you want to register for the golf outing and for the Agri-Marketing Conference at the same time, please visit http://www.nama.org/ConferenceRegistration/Default.aspx?confid=28.

If you’ve already registered for conference but want to add the ABEF Golf outing, please visit, www.nama.org/amc/golfregister.htm.

Help Support the ABEF
Show your support and sponsor the outing. Available sponsorships include:

Hole Sponsorships – Includes greens fee for one (1) player. (18 holes available)

Beverage Cart Sponsor – Includes greens fee for one (1) player. Only 1 cart is available.

Reception Sponsor – Recognition as reception sponsor. Includes greens fee for two (2) players.

Player gift items – Company logo and/or ABEF logo as recognition.

To sign up for a sponsorship on-line visit, http://www.nama.org/amc/golfsponsor.htm or contact Jenny Pickett at 913-491-6500 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Team NAMA offers student chapters an opportunity for a professional review of their Executive Summary prior to the submission deadline. This year, 18 student chapter teams took advantage of this opportunity. NAMA and the student chapters thank the following professionals who volunteered their time to review the plans and to provide feedback to the teams.

Jim Bansen, CNH
Michael Berry, SFP
Meg Brodman, archer>malmo
Tiffany Bronson, AdFarm
Beth Burgy, Broadhead
Mindy Dale, Paulsen Marketing
Alicia DeGeest, Paulsen Marketing
Amber Harrison, Bratney Companies
Brenda Hilfiker, Water Street Solutions
Josh Hushon, Bader Rutter & Associates
Patricia Lawson, The Hondo Group
Greg Leaf, Group Leaf, LLC
Ali Mahaffy, Sullivan Higdon & Sink
Rebekah McCurdy, Pioneer Hi-Bred Intl., Inc.
Steve Mercer, U.S. Wheat Associates
Kristi Moss, Paulsen Marketing
Elizabeth Smith, Rhea + Kaiser
Susan Wright, Osborn & Barr Communications

Special thanks also goes to Janelle Buxton, Pioneer Hi-Bred Intl., Inc. and member of the NAMA Careers Committee, for coordinating the project.