Two Weeks Left to Apply for OABA LAUNCH Program

Don’t Wait, Space is Limited

As we’ve shared, more than half of our workforce in agribusiness will retire in the next 15 years. Take action now to ensure your organization’s future success – join your colleagues in the Ohio AgriBusiness Association’s LAUNCH program. And hurry, the Nov. 15 deadline to apply is just two weeks away.

The LAUNCH program is much more than a traditional leadership development training. It’s an opportunity for emerging agribusiness leaders to engage in a curriculum specifically tailored for the agribusiness industry.

Current Leadership:
If you have a rising star in your organization who would benefit from a robust leadership training opportunity, sponsor their application.

Ambitious, Emerging Leaders:
Talk with your supervisor and apply by November 15 to be considered for this year’s class.

OABA is looking for 25-30 aspiring leaders to participate in the inaugural 2013 LAUNCH class. Participants who are selected are expected to attend two three-day sessions – see dates and session topics below.

Columbus Session – January 23, 24, & 25

• Personal Insights, Strength Finding, Encouragement Affecting Others' Behavior – Phil Sorentino, Humor Consultants
• Personal Goal-Setting – Melanie Wilt, Wilt PR
• Capstone Project Overview – Eric Parthemore, Mike MaGinn, Chuck Swinehart, Heritage Cooperative, Inc.
• Intro to Ohio AgriBusiness Association – Chris Henney, Angela Davis-Haines, Ohio AgriBusiness Association
• Statehouse Tour and Programming – Various state legislators
• Ohio Department of Agriculture and State Lab Tour – Various regulatory division chiefs and agency directors
• Human Resources Principles, Business Models in Agribusiness – Roger Nicol, Trupointe Cooperative, Inc.
• Financial Principles for Agribusiness – Matt Thomas, Luckey Farmers, Inc.
• Speaking Out for Agribusiness, Authentic Voices Communication Training – Melanie Wilt, APR, Wilt PR
• Best Places to Work Panel*
• Getting to "We" – Dr. Bernie Erven, Professor Emeritus, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

Maumee Session – February 27, 28 & March 1

• Understanding Generations – Bob Cohen, Braintree Consulting
• Critical Thinking & Community Engagement – Sereana Howard Dresbach, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University
• Dinner & A Movie – Discussion of Food, Inc. and Contemporary Ag Issues
• World Hunger Breakfast*
• World Food Supply & Demand Panel – Waiting on panel confirmations*
• Results Mastery: Time Management & Delegation – Steve Konig, Results Plus
• Conversation with Consumers – Participants
• International Trade in Agriculture*
• Marketing, Merchandising and Retailing*
• Lessons from the C-Suite: Strategic Planning, Goal Setting, Organizational Skills, Etc.*
• Capstone Project Presentations – Participants

* Speakers have been determined, but are not confirmed at this time, so we cannot promote their names. Speakers are subject to change.

Application/Registration Process
Registration for this event is different than most OABA training opportunities. Those interested in participating will need to go through the following short application process.

• Applicants must work for a member organization of OABA.
• Aspiring leaders will need to talk with their supervisor and/or company leadership to determine if the interested individual has approval to commit to the program.
• Individuals must fill out an official application, which includes a letter of recommendation.
• Applicants and their supervisors and/or company leadership must sign a letter of commitment to the two three-day sessions.
• Mail this application – which must be postmarked by November 15, 2012 – to:

Ohio AgriBusiness Association
c/o Angela Davis-Haines
5151 Reed Road, Suite 126-C
Columbus, OH 43220

Note: No more than two leaders from one organization will be accepted in a given year.

Costs: OABA will invoice each applicant’s organization for the one-time participation fee of $2,900 upon selection. This registration fee covers costs relating to both three-day trainings, including hotel accommodations and meals.

Frequently Asked Questions: Click here to view FAQs.