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Eighteen Participating in Ohio AgriBusiness Association’s LAUNCH Program

Program Prepares Future Agribusiness Leaders

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Eighteen Ohio agribusiness leaders will soon take part in the Ohio AgriBusiness Association’s (OABA) 2018 LAUNCH (Leaders Achieving Unexpected New Career Heights) program.

Participants were selected by their companies to undergo the robust executive leadership development program, which was created in partnership with Shift-ology to help OABA member companies fill the looming void of leadership talent. More than 50 percent of the agriculture business workforce is expected to retire in the next 10-15 years.

The 18 Ohio AgriBusiness Association members enrolled in the 2018 LAUNCH program include:

  • Adam Bennett - Farm Credit of Mid-America
  • Brian Braumiller - Morral Companies, LLC
  • Caitlin Busald - United Producers Inc.
  • Carson Castellaw - Consolidated Grain and Barge
  • Tommy Crawford - Central Ohio Farmers Co-op
  • Kirk Gasser - Centerra Co-op
  • Matt Hagedorn - Cargill Incorporation
  • Kevin Kaup - Mercer Landmark Inc
  • Jon Kenney - Simmons Grain Co
  • Cody Mabis - Mercer Landmark Inc
  • Jennifer McMahan - Morral Companies, LLC
  • Matt McQuire - Legacy Farmers Co-op
  • David Meyer - United Equity, Inc.
  • Shane Rittenhouse - United Producers Inc.
  • Kurt Schenkel - United Producers Inc.
  • Ashley Snyder - Ag Credit
  • Karie Staley - Central Ohio Farmers Co-op
  • Ryan Wilhelm - Legacy Farmers Co-op

LAUNCH prepares participants for successive leadership roles through a curriculum focused on developing individual skills and a global view of overall organizational needs. Capstone projects, between-session work assignments and in-person sessions all add to the depth of program.

Program topics include leading with purpose; determining and flexing your style of work with others; executive presence; creating a positive culture; human resources; strategic planning; presentation techniques; working with state and federal government; decision making; courageous leadership; corporate sustainability; work-life balance and more.

More than 20 different speakers will provide their insight through multiple interactive sessions including Patrick Donadio, who will deliver the opening keynote presentation. Donadio has created a results-based process entitled “Communicating with IMPACT,” to improve how people lead and communicate to achieve greater results. A tour of the Ohio Statehouse and a grain and barge company in Covington, Kentucky will also be a part of the program.

“The LAUNCH program helps participants hone their leadership skills in the agribusiness industry, and also their overall leadership skill-set, which is extremely important in an industry that is constantly evolving and adapting,” said Chris Henney, OABA president and CEO. “With more than 12 companies participating in this, our sixth consecutive LAUNCH class, it’s a great testament to Ohio agribusiness’ commitment to future leadership.”  

For additional information on OABA or the LAUNCH Program, contact Janice Welsheimer at 614-326-7520 or jwelsheimer@oaba.net.

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