2005
NCGA Leadership Academy Wraps up in North Carolina (8-19-05)
The strength
of a grassroots organization such as the National Corn Growers Association
(NCGA) is the ability to build skills in new leaders, NCGA President
Leon Corzine told attendees at its 2005 Leadership Academy this
week in Greensboro, N.C.
The two-part
program is designed to give state corn grower association and checkoff
board members training to increase their effectiveness as state
leaders.
The first session
covered building skills in association management, public speaking,
presentations, media training and etiquette. In addition, leaders
took part in a presentation about future issues and trends in agriculture.
Corzine, NCGA
First Vice President Gerald Tumbleson and CEO Rick Tolman each gave
presentations on their roles in agriculture and the association
.
Corzine spoke
about NCGA’s recent legislative victories: the Central American
-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) and the Energy
Policy Act of 2005. He noted that the Syngenta-sponsored leadership
program was a vital part to the success of NCGA’s efforts.
He also said the program provides growers the skills needed to be
successful leaders—as part of the organization and as small
business owners and community leaders.
“NCGA
is being recognized as the organization that drove home two huge
victories for rural America,” he said. “The victories
were because of the grassroots and state and national leaders communicating
the importance of CAFTA –DR and the energy bill. Syngenta
leadership training is vital to our efforts. Their leadership program
is top quality and effective. This program gives us the tools we
need as grower leaders.”
Corzine said
the leadership program positively impacts U.S. agriculture, as many
NCGA leaders move on to influential government positions. “Our
member states receive tremendous benefit as their leaders become
more effective within their state, as well as within NCGA. Syngenta
leadership training is the best I have experienced and has helped
me represent NCGA better and has helped me with my farming business
as well,” he said.
Tumbleson said
the leadership academy helps growers become better and stronger
leaders. He shared with the group his involvement with corn growers
at the local and national levels. “This is important training
for everyone,” he said. “These growers are already good
leaders in their local communities and states, and this academy
will ensure they continue to strive to higher leadership levels
within NCGA’s action teams, committees and even officer positions.”
Those participating
in the Leadership Academy include: Jesse Witt, Alabama; Greg Larson,
Colorado; Ryan Cobb, Georgia; Pam Johnson, Iowa; Tim Recker, Iowa;
Steve Ruh, Illinois; Wendell Shauman, Illinois; Jerry Griffith,
Kentucky; Tom Weber, Michigan; Bruce Noel, Michigan; Curt Watson,
Minnesota; Jerry Demmer, Minnesota; Michael Mills, Missouri; Rob
Korff, Missouri; Deb Podliska, North Dakota; Larry Mussack, Nebraska;
Tom Weber, Nebreska; Mark Klumb, South Dakota; John Cloar, Tennessee;
Lyle Pugh, Virginia; Adam Flyte, Wisconsin; and James Kruger, Wisconsin.
The second
session will be held Jan. 29 – Feb. 1, 2006, in Washington,
D.C., and will provide growers with training on proper techniques
in meeting with elected officials and updates on NCGA’s key
legislative issues, among other things.