Potato Industry Invests In Cultivating Lenders
April 3, 2008 
February was the month when 19 growers and industry representatives from across the U.S. formed the Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) Class of 2008. The Leadership Institute is designed to expose participants to the many elements of the potato industry and help them think beyond their daily business, market, and region.
The participants sharpened their skills in the areas of leadership development, public policy, marketing, trade, team building, public communication, presentation skills, and more. To date, the program has graduated more than 140 leaders who have continued their successful careers in the potato industry. Institute graduates serve on the boards of directors and organizational committees of the state and national potato organizations.
Learning To The Max
Each class is limited to 20 participants to help maximize class interaction and learning. The Leadership Institute brings participants out of their comfort zone to build a better understanding throughout all segments of the industry. Camaraderie among participants builds quickly and a lifetime bond is formed with fellow classmates. Whether touring production fields and processing facilities, or participating in skills training exercises, there are tremendous opportunities for the participants to learn from their peers.
Each year, participants are selected through state organization nominations and a committee facilitated by the National Potato Council (NPC) and the United States Potato Board (USPB), joint coordinators of the program. Each class is selected to represent a broad cross-section of the potato industry. The Leadership Institute is made possible each year through a major sponsorship from Syngenta Crop Protection, and this year McCain Foods and Basic American Foods made valuable sponsorship contributions to the program, as well.
Participants in the 2008 Institute included:
– Jeffrey Blanksma, Idaho;
– Kristopher Butcher, Washington;
– Cortney Felmlee, Colorado;
– Eric Halverson, North Dakota;
– Lisa Hickman, Nebraska;
– Jenn Holzer, Washington;
– Jay LaJoie, Maine;
– Christopher Matthews, Oregon;
– Alan Moir, Maine;
– Jeremy Peterson, Oregon;
– Layne Polatis, Idaho;
– Ryan Sams, Washington;
– Jon Schodde, Idaho;
– Chris Slagell, Oklahoma;
– Matthew Smartt, Colorado;
– Douglas Somers, Wisconsin;
– Keith Tinsey, Michigan;
– Tim Venhuizen, Montana; and
– Bryan Wada, Idaho.
Ernie Ford of Center, CO, served as the grower leader on the program. He participated in the 2007 Institute and was elected by his class to lead this year’s program. The 2008 Institute elected Eric Halverson of Grand Forks, ND, to serve as the grower leader on the 2009 Institute.
Looking For Opportunities
Cultivating future industry leaders is where the Leadership Institute excels so well. The 2008 class was remarkably engaging and intuitively grasped the professional leadership skills presented on their behalf.
They responded to opportunities with zeal and performed meritoriously when challenged. Institute graduates are some of the industry’s greatest assets. Informed, trained leaders are a value to any organization and this is especially true of the NPC.
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