The 2016 NAMA Fall Conference will be here before you know it! The hotel cutoff date is tomorrow, August 19! Please reserve your room at the Sheraton as soon as possible. Room rates will go up after Friday.

Check out the fantastic keynote speakers NAMA has lined up for you in the land of sweet tea.

Gerry O’Brion
Gerry built his career growing big brands. After earning his MBA at the University of Michigan, Gerry began his marketing career at Procter & Gamble. Next, he managed Coors Light, became VP of Marketing for Quiznos, and then VP of Marketing for Red Robin Gourmet Burgers. His presentations will help you develop an action plan to make your business stronger now and over the long term.  Gerry will have you look at your business with a fresh perspective.

Conor Cunneen 
Conor Cunneen is an acclaimed speaker, educator, author and an award winning humorist who provides powerful and memorable business programs via wit and wisdom to Improve People, Performance and Productivity. In this powerful business building program, you will learn leadership and marketing lessons from the big guys (and not so big guys) that can be adapted to any organization and budget.

Dirk Benson
Dirk Benson is the head of Seeds Product Development, Corn and Sugarcane at Syngenta. Benson holds BS and Ph.D. degrees from Cornell University. He has had a number of positions in the seed industry including sales management, international marketing, corn breeder, breeding management and development manager for biotech projects. He started at Syngenta in 1996 as a Project Leader.

Register today and join NAMA in Raleigh!

The 2016 NAMA Boot Camp proved to be one of the best yet with survey results showing some of the highest scores to date. About 85 agri-marketers traveled to Kansas City last week to take part in the 13th annual NAMA Boot Camp. This event is great for those new to the industry as it provides an in-depth overview of the many aspects of agri-marketing.

Over 30 attendees started the week with the MoKan Ag Tour, an on-farm experience with visits to Platter Farms, Peters Orchard, Ag-Power dealership and Heins Dairy. Thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s event! Check out some great photos of the week below and find all the photos on the NAMA Flickr.

Attendees check out the massive farm equipment at Plattner Farms.

Guests had the opportunity to browse the store at Peters Orchard.

Attendees enjoyed lunch at the Ag-Power dealership surrounded by John Deere tractors.

The day wrapped at Heins Dairy with a first-hand look at their operation.

Gail Calhoun discussed relationship barriers on the first full day of Boot Camp.

Always a crowd-favorite. The Producer Panel featured four producers from multi-generational farms.

Networking is a huge part of the NAMA Boot Camp. Attendees enjoyed fun, frozen cocktails at Snow & Company while getting to know their peers.

Sara Steever, Paulsen, shared the Boot Camp Snapchat filter with the group.

Mollie Young, Nametag International, ended the event with tips to create memorable names for brands and products.

Are you attending the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa?  If so, join other NAMA members at a reception hosted by Cornbelt and Iowa NAMA.

It’s a great opportunity to take a break and interact with other NAMA members on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Exhibitor Food Building, which is located outside of Gate #6 on the south end of Sixth Street and part of the Van Wall building.  Appetizers and drinks will be provided (yes, adult beverages, too).

If you have any questions, please contact Patty Kisner, (319) 981-3511.

NAMA and Connectiv Agri Media Committee will co-host a reception at the NAFB Convention, Wednesday, November 9, 2016. It will take place at the Westin Crown Center on the Garden Terrace in Kansas City from 5-6 p.m. Watch your email for more details.  For more information visit the NAFB Convention website.

Join North Central NAMA and Dave Frederickson, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, for a lunch and learn in the Warehouse District!

Where:         401 North First Ave., 2nd Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55401

When: Thursday, September 15^th, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• 11:30 a.m.: Luncheon at the North 401 Building
• 12 -1 p.m.: Commissioner Frederickson’s Presentation

Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members

Register here: http://www.nama.org/store/index.php?p=catalog&parent=24&pg=1

Please email Ashley Larson at [email protected] with any questions.

What:  ‘View from Inside the Beltway’ —

State of the Industry Commentary, including insights on the Upcoming Election

Who:    Mike Seyfert, Director of Government Affairs, FMC Agricultural Solutions

When:  Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016

Time:   12:00 – 2:00 pm

Where:  The NEW FMC Agricultural Solutions Bldg.
FMC Tower at Cira Centre South
2929 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

RSVP:   Debbie Clayton, [email protected]

Craft beer, summertime food favorites, perfect weather and baseball – it doesn’t get much better than that on a Friday night. Over 50 North Central Chapter NAMA members joined the 2nd annual baseball event on August 5th, hosted at the CHS Field in downtown St. Paul.  All enjoyed watching the Saint Paul Saints followed by fireworks at the conclusion of the game.