The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program (IALP) Class of 2016 was provided in-depth communication skills training at John Deere World Headquarters in Moline, December 15-17, 2014. Over the course of three days, participants learned the value of communication in developing strong advocates for agriculture.
The seminar began with a tour of the John Deere Harvester Plant in East Moline, where participants viewed the detailed subassembly and assembly of the largest of John Deere’s combine line. At the World Headquarters building, “Social Media Strategies and Uses” was presented by Teresa Goodney, Manager of Social Media for John Deere. Participants were given an overview of how digital media and social networking can greatly benefit brand recognition in the agriculture industry. During an evening meal, the class was welcomed by Marc Howze, Vice President, Global Human Resources for John Deere, who discussed the importance of communication excellence in the workforce. Bill Niebur, DuPont Vice President and General Manager of DuPont Pioneer China, concluded the first day with an engaging keynote focused on planning a career, with particular emphasis on working in the international arena. Dr. Niebur also is an alumnus of the IALP, Class of 1988.
A day-long workshop on “Communication Training” was facilitated by presenters from Dardis Communications, in which participants learned specific presentation skills and techniques. The day was capped by a reception with IALP alumni at the John Deere Pavilion in downtown Moline.
The final day of the seminar consisted of presentations on “Crucial Conversations” and “Diversity.” Melissa Wogomon, Development Specialist, Regional Learning & Development at John Deere, discussed the basic tenets and approaches to successful communication and having discussions in the workplace on difficult issues. The day concluded with a presentation by Penny Lauritzen, Certified Financial Planner and alumna of the IALP, Class of 1986, and Colleen Callahan, Illinois State Director for Rural Development, USDA, on “The Diversity Dividend.”
This is valuable skills training for leaders,” said Don Norton, IALF President & CEO. “We are grateful to ADM, a long-time supporter of the IALF, for sponsoring this seminar and to our host, John Deere.”
The seminar was sponsored by Archer Daniels Midland. The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program is a two-year comprehensive education series that develops knowledgeable and effective leaders to become policy and decision makers for the agricultural industry. The program is funded by the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation, a non-profit organization comprising individuals, companies, organizations and institutional partners. Program participants are selected from diverse backgrounds in Illinois agriculture, and program graduates have attained the highest level positions in the nation’s leading agribusiness corporations.
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