IPSA Sessions feature Purdue University
Partnership delivers key training programs for Members
OMAHA, NE - The Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) welcomed 2010 with its 21st Annual Conference and Trade Show, January 19-21 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attendance and registrations approached 300 for a unique program offering by Purdue University's Center for Food and Agricultural Business.
IPSA's Business Development Committee and the IPSA Board of Directors have provided insight and support throughout this process. IPSA President David Hingst with Hoegemeyer Hybrids in Hooper, Nebraska, served as Chairman of the planning committee and offered this assessment: "This partnership delivered great content to our members at a level they can benefit from directly and immediately."
To kick-off the day's program, Dr.s Mike Boehlje and Allan Gray with Purdue University provided an insightful and entertaining perspective on domestic and global challenges facing independent seed companies.
The afternoon was filled with informative workshops in four key tracks that match the functional areas of most seed companies - owners, sales, human resources/information technology and production. Attendees selected one or several tracks to attend, based upon their company responsibilities and interests.
Organizational Leadership - Rodney Vandeveer, Purdue University
This breakout session helped independent seed company owners, presidents and general managers acquire new skills and tools to evaluate and manage their employees performance. Topics included building productive working relationships between management and staff, and improving managerial communications efforts.
Role of the Salesperson - Dr. Allan Gray, Purdue University
Based on data from Purdue's latest survey larger farmer buying behaviors, the presentation touched on several topics, including why farmers need salespeople, the value of relationships and what farmers really want from their salespeople.
Understanding Financial Statements - Dr. Mike Boehlje, Purdue University
Boehlje led two sessions focusing on finance. The first session allowed administrative leaders to learn the basics about financial statements, including how to extract meaningful data for decision-making purposes. The second session, geared toward financial employees, provided a more thorough understanding of profit and loss statements, balance sheets, the fundamentals of cash flow and budgeting, volume cost analysis and expense control.
Key Themes from Purdue's 2008 Large Commercial Producer Survey - Dr. Corinne Alexander, Purdue University
During this breakout session, Alexander provided an overview of information that specifically impacts the seed industry from Purdue's latest Large Commercial Producer Survey. The audience had an opportunity to gain even more detail during an interactive question and answer session.
Summary
"This level of Annual Conference programming is what members expect from a professional trade association; IPSA delivered on those expectations again this year" stated IPSA's CEO, Greg Ruehle. He added "IPSA strives to continue delivering high-quality and relevant programs for its members, whether at Annual Conference, via the web or direct delivery to our customers."
More information can be found at the IPSA website at http://www.independentseeds.com
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The Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) was formed in 1989 by a group of independent seed producers who recognized the need for an organization to represent independent seed companies world-wide. The Association addresses research and biotechnology issues and increases the media presence of the industry in an increasingly competitive and dynamic business climate. IPSA represents nearly 100 seed companies from 20 states and Canada, who produce nearly 20 percent of the corn, soybeans, small grain and forage seeds marketed annually.
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