NCGA Membership Symposium Early Registration Deadline One Month Away (12-28-05)

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) members looking to improve their membership development skills and learn the latest trends from experts are invited to attend the fifth annual NCGA Membership Symposium Feb. 6-8, 2006, in Tampa, Fla.

“The NCGA Membership Symposium is a first-rate event for our growers,” said Dave Boettger, chair of NCGA’s Grower Services Action Team. “We expanded the program last year, and everyone who attended thought it was a great conference. NCGA has lined up a couple of tremendous speakers who will empower recruiters to motivate membership and promote agriculture. We encourage our recruiters and state association staffs to attend this wonderful event.”

NCGA recruiters may sign up for early registration through Jan. 26 for $25 per person. After Jan. 26, registration is $50. Registration includes accommodations, breakfast and lunch, and four learning sessions.

Marilyn Moats Kennedy and Michele Payn-Knoper will give presentations. Kennedy, founder and managing partner of Career Strategies, is an author of six books and an expert on political survival in the cutthroat business world. She will discuss “Managing Change: Understanding the Demographics of the Evolving Workplace,” which tackles the issue of generational diversity in the workplace.

Payn-Knoper is a professional speaker and consultant and preaches that businesses need to adapt in a changing marketplace. She will give two presentations. “Championing Agriculture—Fight Back for Agriculture” talks about connecting agriculture to consumers and the public at large. “Responding to the Rhetoric: Overcoming Activist Claims” will look at how agriculture can deal with the influence of activist groups.

If NCGA members wish to become a recruiter, they should contact their state association office.

“The Membership Symposium is an excellent opportunity for those who are serious about making their organization’s membership development efforts successful,” said Byron Keelin, NCGA manager of member services. “The meeting is also recommended for state association staff, regional directors and grower leaders who have recently become involved in their state associations.”

NCGA recruiters interested in attending the event should contact their state association office or Keelin at 636-733-9004, ext. 105.

The conference is sponsored by Syngenta Seeds and Agrisure.