Details
October 31, 2014
2015 OABA LAUNCH Program
Application Deadline: 10/31/14; Sessions: 1/6-1/8/15 & 2/17-2/19/15
Columbus and Toledo
Did you know that more than half of our workforce in agribusiness will retire in the next 15 years?
That means top-level leadership will also retire, resulting in a void of leadership talent. The Ohio AgriBusiness Association has recognized this challenge and will again offer a robust leadership development training program – Leaders Achieving Unexpected New Career Heights, or LAUNCH – to help fill the void, and ultimately to help ensure a bright future for Ohio’s agribusinesses.
OABA will select no more than 30 aspiring leaders to participate in the 2015 LAUNCH class. Participants who are selected through the application process are expected to attend two three-day sessions on the following dates:
- January 6-8, 2015 – Columbus Area
- February 17-19, 2015 – Wooster Area
Current Leadership:
If you have a rising star in your organization who would benefit from a robust leadership training opportunity, sponsor their application by October 31, 2014.
Ambitious, Emerging Leaders:
Talk with your supervisor and apply by October 31, 2014 to be considered for this year’s class.
What are 2014 participants saying about LAUNCH?
“The LAUNCH Program helped me to gain a better understanding on how broad agriculture is and the importance of the industry. The program pushed me outside my comfort zone because I didn’t have an extensive Ag background. The LAUNCH programs, networking, fieldtrips and speakers allowed me to personally grow so that I can better serve the Ag community.” - Dawn McCullough, human resources director, Deerfield Farms Service, Inc.
"The LAUNCH program made it possible to further my knowledge in the Ag industry and allowed me to network with a great group of people. Staying in contact with fellow classmates from the LAUNCH program has enabled me to continuously learn. The benefits from this program have made me a better co-worker, manager, and leader." - Alex Denman, branch manager, Trupointe
“The LAUNCH program was a great opportunity to learn about not only other agribusinesses and industry, but also an opportunity to develop my personal abilities and self-knowledge and how I can be a stronger leader for my organization and community." - Amy Studebaker, regional vice president, Farm Credit Services of Mid America
Curriculum:
The program topics and skills practiced include: personal insight and diversity in thinking styles; management skills and decision making including strategic planning, critical thinking, change management, goal setting and organizational skills; communication and presentation skills; global issues in agriculture; sales and marketing principles; Ohio/regional trends in agribusiness; state and local government; how to develop a successful mentor-mentee relationship; and a capstone project.
Cost:
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 sessions, including hotel accommodations and meals.
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/company of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association.
- 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 fully complete 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 sessions.
- Applicants must email a head shot photo to mlong@oaba.net by October 31, 2014.
- Applicants must mail the – which must be postmarked by October 31, 2014 – to:
Ohio AgriBusiness Association
Margo Long
5151 Reed Road, Suite 126-C
Columbus, OH 43220
