Eighteen Ohio agribusiness leaders were recognized as the latest graduates of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association LAUNCH program.

Shown above, the graduates are: top row, Chad Rosebrook (left), Kendra Dauer, Jamison Truebenbach, Scott Benjamin, Michael Williams, Benjamin Nething, Ethan Witmer, Derek Fauber, Eric Couch, Elizabeth Long, Emily Bennett and Mark Tangeman; bottom row, Martin Hofbauer (left), Ben Wheeler, Sam Boyce, Keith Hinds, Chad Steffan and Leland Tinklepaugh.

Hosted by the Ohio AgriBusiness Association, in partnership with Shift-ology Communication, the Leaders Achieving Unexpected New Career Heights program is geared to help Ohio agribusinesses elevate people, ideas and the industry. Participants were identified by their companies as emerging agribusiness leaders: individuals with a desire to meet higher level goals than the scope of their current positions who seek to rise within their companies.

The 18 member-graduates and their companies are :

• Scott Benjamin, Nutrien
• Emily Bennett, Shift-ology Communication
• Sam Boyce, Mid-Wood Inc.
• Eric Couch, Heritage Cooperative
• Kendra Dauer, Intl FCStone
• Derek Fauber, Heritage Cooperative
• Keith Hinds, United Producers Inc.
• Martin Hofbauer, Luckey Farmers Inc.
• Elizabeth Long, Ag Resource Management
• Benjamin Nething, Deerfield Ag Services
• Chad Rosebrook, Legacy Farmers Cooperative
• Chad Steffan, Mid-Wood Inc.
• Mark Tangeman, Farm Credit Mid-America
• Leland Tinklepaugh, Farm Credit Mid-America
• Jamison Truebenbach, Global Impact Stem Academy
• Ben Wheeler, United Producers Inc.
• Michael Williams, Co-Alliance LLP
• Ethan Witmer, Witmer's Feed and Grain Inc.

LAUNCH prepares participants for leadership roles through a curriculum focused on developing individual skills and a global view of overall organizational needs. Capstone projects and in-person sessions both add to the depth of the program.

Program topics included: personal insight; next-level leadership and decision-making, including strategic planning, critical thinking, change management, goal setting and organizational skills; communication and presentation skills; global issues in agriculture; sales and marketing principles; Ohio regional trends in agribusiness; state and local government; identifying a mentor; and a personalized capstone project.

Bernie Erven, professor emeritus in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics at Ohio State University, delivered the keynote presentation, “Getting to We.” Other sessions included a trip to the Ohio Statehouse to meet with legislators, and a visit to Cargill’s Sidney, Ohio, soybean crushing operation and oil refinery.

“The LAUNCH program provides the next generation of agricultural leaders with the tools they need to take the next steps in their careers. Participants hone their leadership skills while also making lifelong connections with peers in the industry,” says Chris Henney, OABA president and CEO. “This year’s class shows there is great promise for the future of our industry.”

For additional information on OABA or the LAUNCH program, contact Janice Welsheimer at 614-326-7520 or [email protected].

Source: OABA, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.