NCGA Leadership Academy participants toured the White House on Tuesday.

NCGA Members Complete Leadership Course (03-17-05)

Twelve National Corn Growers Association members spent three days in Washington, D.C., this week where they focused on the importance of grassroots involvement as they completed the second segment of the NCGA Leadership Academy.

The academy, which is sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection, included an NCGA issues briefing, how to conduct a visit with a Congressional member, the importance of building coalitions and understanding how Capitol Hill works, among other presentations. Participants conducted Hill visits with their representative or senator as part of their hands-on training.

“I was impressed with the quality of the training” said Franklin Lee, vice president of the Corn Growers Association of North Carolina, Inc. “Every bit was very good, and I would encourage anyone participating on their state corn boards to consider the Leadership Academy because it is valuable beyond your experience on a corn board; you can use the training for any leadership role in the future.”

The first session of the program was held in Greensboro, N.C., where members sharpened their presentation skills and participated in media training.

Graduates of the program in addition to Lee include Bill Berg, Wapakoneta, Ohio; Stan Boehr, Henderson, Neb.; Bob Bowman, De Witt, Iowa; Gary Edwards, Anamosa, Iowa; Pat Feldpausch, Folwer, Mich.; Bryan Fogerson, Sidell, Ill.; John Kuhfuss, Mackinaw, Ill.; Kenny McNamar, Gorin, Mo.; Rodney Moe, Waltham, Minn.; Brian Nedrow, Geneva, Neb.; and Randy Woodruff, Chippewa Falls, Wis.