In September, Ohio NAMA hosted a reception in conjunction with Farm Science Review with over 20 people stopping by.  In addition to Ohio NAMA members, there were members from the Heartland chapter and non-members interested in becoming NAMA members.  Food and drinks were enjoyed, along with the opportunity to sit back and relax after a good day at the farm show.

Although there was no formal agenda, it provided an opportunity to discuss:

• What types of events work for members of the NAMA chapter.
• Some ideas of what we could do for a winter gathering.
• Why NAMA is important for people and their companies.

Everyone was very excited about how well the show went.   We had a very successful social gathering and look forward to a successful winter event coming in the next couple of months.

Badger NAMA members were joined by members of chapters from around the US for a reception at World Dairy Expo in October.  The annual evening event was a great chance for members to relax and network with other members with a cocktail away from the show floor.

Badger chapter members chartered a bus to make the trip to Warrens, WI in September to learn about one of Wisconsin’s least-understood specialty crops – the cranberry. Members toured a bog and processing plant at the Wetherby Cranberry Company and the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center to learn how they are grown, processed and marketed around the globe. Members enjoyed more “Something Special from Wisconsin” products on the bus ride home with an onboard wine and cheese tasting event.

Mark Wilke, partner, Applied Art & Technology, presented: New and Emerging Trends in Digital Media.  As a leader in technology Mark introduced effective uses of video and projection mapping as well as a high level introduction to Google glass and near field communication. He also familiarized the group on newer opportunities such as: voice recognition and biometrics, minority report style control, multi-touch, augmented reality, HD internet delivery and closed with some statistical support on target markets and best practices.

After the presentation, NAMA members could interact with the technology platforms developed by Applied Art & Technology and ask questions regarding the newest innovations in the marketplace.

Entry Deadline is October 11.

NAMA members are encouraged to enter their company’s communications materials produced for first use in 2013.  Entries are open to any ag-related products.

For complete details visit http://www.nama.org/amc/bon/index.htm.

Regional awards ceremonies take place in January.  National Best of NAMA winners will be recognized during the 2014 Agri-Marketing Conference in Jacksonville, Fla.  Please make plans to join NAMA as we congratulate the best of the best from across the country.

Best of NAMA Calendar

October 11
Best of NAMA Entry Deadline

November 12-13
Regional Best of NAMA Judging – Kansas City, MO

January
Region II Best of NAMA Awards Ceremony
Region III Best of NAMA Awards Ceremony
Region IV Best of NAMA Awards Ceremony
Southeastern Best of NAMA Awards Ceremony
Carolinas/Virginia Best of NAMA Awards Ceremony
Midsouth Best of NAMA Awards Ceremony

February
Region I Best of NAMA Awards Ceremony

February 12
National Best of NAMA Judging – Kansas City, MO

April 9
National Best of NAMA Ceremony – Jacksonville, FL

The 2013 Fall Conference was a big success with nearly 200 attendees in St. Louis at the Ritz-Carlton.

The Gateway Ag Tour kicked off the conference with a visit to the Monsanto Chesterfield Village facility and Chandler Hill Vineyards.

Keynote speaker Dr. Benjamin Akande opened the Fall Conference with a discussion on “Leading From Where You Are.”  He shared thought-provoking ideas and suggestions on how to be an effective, results focused leader within your organization.

Afternoon breakout sessions on the first day of  Fall Conference targeted agri-marketers ready to move up the career ladder and included in-depth topics such as mobile digital strategy, dealing with data storage in the Cloud and an Addy-winning case study.

The day ended with a networking reception at the new offices of  Brighton Agency.  Attendees enjoyed appetizers and cocktails courtesy of Brighton.

Former NFL head coach Brian Billick was the morning keynote speaker on day two.  Billick,  Super Bowl winning coach for the Baltimore Ravens and now an analyst for Fox Sports, talked to us about the essential elements for success that make up any dream team – on the football field or in the workplace. Listen to snippets from his talk – Billick1 or Billick 2.

Morning breakout sessions included topics on climate change and agriculture, baseline agriculture outlook and a panel discussion on the need for a new farm bill.

At the closing lunch, NAMA presented the 2013 Professional  Awards of Excellence.  These awards honor NAMA members with hands-on responsibility in marketing  and communications, public relations, product/species management and sales.  Congratulations to Gary Sakin – Monsanto, Linda Romander – broadhead., Zach Hetterick – Case IH, and Jay Carlson – Penton/Farm Progress.  Listen to the audio presentation of the PDA awards.

A perfect closing to the Fall Conference was  Tom Wilson, Monsanto US Marketing Lead, Deeds, Traits and Chemistry.  Tom provided a view of what ag is facing today and what lies ahead.

This meeting also marked the passing of the gavel from 2013 NAMA President Paul Redhage, FMC Agricultural Products, to incoming president Kenna Rathai, Kenna B. Rathai Communications.  Listen to Passing of the Gavel remarks.

An ABEF fundraiser was added to the conference this year to raise funds and create awareness about ABEF and how the foundation funds and supports student opportunities. This effort raised over $1000 that will go towards  scholarships, internships, student competitions and more to agri-marketing students across the country.  Attendees could purchase squares that referenced “ABEF” trivia  for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Starbucks or Best Buy.

A special congratulations to our incoming  executive committee members!  Scott McClure – Brighton Agency and Amber Harrison – United Suppliers, Inc.

View photos from the Gateway Ag Tour and the Fall Conference on Flickr or Agwired.com

Long time student NAMA advisor Dr. John B. Riley passed away on September 16.  Many of you may recall that in 2011, the Outstanding Student Advisor Award was renamed the Dr. John B. Riley Outstanding Student Advisor Award in recognition of the then 25 years that Dr. Riley had devoted to his students and their marketing competition teams.

Dr. Riley coached NAMA marketing teams at both K-State and the University of Tennessee.  In addition, he won the NAMA Outstanding Advisor Award while at both universities.  His advising efforts were recognized with several college and university awards.

More information on Dr. Riley can be found at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/knoxnews/obituary.aspx?n=john-blair-riley&pid=167033100&#fbLoggedOut