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The potato industry's Leadership Institute brings together outstanding potato growers and industry representatives for eight days of training and professional development. The annual program is held in February with activities in a potato-growing region and Washington, D.C.
Participants will receive an overview of the local and national potato industry, including some of the challenges and issues beyond the production sector along with tours of local agricultural businesses.
Attendees will then travel to Washington, D.C, and hear from public policy and communication experts and practice how to effectively deliver key messages. Participants join other growers from their state to educate members of Congress on the U.S. potato industry and policies impacting it.
The 2025 Leadership Institute will be held February 19-28, 2025 beginning in the state of Wisconsin and ending in Washington, D.C.
Participation is limited to individuals residing in the United States.
Registration for the 2025 program will be made available in August 2024.
For questions about the program email us at info@pleaf.org.
Feb. 21 - Travel to Boise, Idaho
Feb. 22 - Kickoff of training and traveling through Idaho production areas
Feb. 23 - Tours of agricultural production and potato processing facilities
Feb. 24 - Travel to Washington, D.C. - monument tour
Feb. 25 - Leadership and communication training
Feb. 26 - George Washington Leadership Experience at Mt. Vernon
Feb. 27 - Communication and media training
Feb. 28 - Issue training
Feb. 29 - Congressional visits with state organizations, program celebration
March 1 - Travel home
The 10-day program will begin in Boise Idaho on Feb. 21, 2024 and finish in Washington, D.C., where they will take part in the NPC Washington Summit.
Bryan Bender of Bender Potatoes in Chambersburg, Pa. – a 2023 graduate of the program will join the group serving as the Grower Leader elected from the 2023 class. Bender will further develop his leadership skills as he serves in this role and leads the class in their development.
“It’s a great investment in you. It’s a great investment in your community that you’re going to take these skills back to and it’s a great opportunity to meet some other wonderful people in the potato industry.” Laurie Widdowson, CSS Farms, LLC, Kearney, NE
“Seeing how important the program is to the industry was a big take home for me. To encourage people to go talk to their senators and representatives. To teach them, to give them the tools to do it well and it’s very important for our future as an industry.” Jolynn Rasmussen, J.R. Simplot, Boise, ID
“It’s easy to get laser focused on your local industry and company. PILI allowed me to see the bigger picture and meet some amazing current and future potato industry leaders. Networking during our travels from coast to coast, touring multiple operations , professional business training, and educating Capitol Hill on the industry, sums up the experience of a lifetime!”
Mike Phillips, Walther Farms, Three Rivers, MI
“Regardless of your age or level of leadership experience, anyone will benefit from the PILI program. As one of the oldest to participate, I learned a whole new level of leadership skills. Not to mention the incredible opportunity to form new acquaintances and friendships that will last a lifetime.” Byron Duffin, Brand President, Double L
“This program has opened so many doors for me. It has helped me understand that we are a part of something so much bigger.” Cliff Shaw, Farm Fresh Direct of America, Monte Vista, CO
Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation
50 F Street NW Suite 900, Washington, DC 20001, US
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