The Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) class of 2017 will bring together 23 potato growers and industry representatives interested in developing their leadership potential to better serve the industry.
During the eight-day program, the PILI will offer a broad view of the potato industry across production regions and markets. The program also offers accelerated training on leadership characteristics, team development, communication skills and effective media relations. Participants will also learn about public policy issues impacting the potato industry and experience firsthand how to deliver their personal stories to Capitol Hill. This annual program is administered by the National Potato Council (NPC) and Potatoes USA, and is generously supported by Syngenta.
This year’s training will kick off in Maine with tours of local farms and the processing industry. The program will then move to Washington, D.C., where the focus will turn to skills training and public policy.
“I hope to learn even more about the challenges that we are facing and educate others on solutions,” says Travis Meacham of Moses Lake, Wash., who attended the 2016 program and will return to serve as the 2017 grower leader. “I know we will all come away with communication tools and training that will help our daily lives and also strengthen our involvement in agriculture.”
The 2017 class is comprised of the following members:
- Nathan Bula from Oxford, Wis.
- Sander Dagen from Karstad, Minn.
- Brant Darrington from Declo, Idaho
- Lyla Davis from Monte Vista, Colo.
- Lynn Dickman from Hancock, Wis.
- Lindsey Dodgen of Potatoes USA
- David Fedje from Crystal, N.D.
- Scott Fenters from Klamath Falls, Ore.
- Mike Huskinson from Sugar City, Idaho
- Russ Kehl from Quincy, Wash.
- Kelly Kuball from Bakersfield, Calif.
- Jay LaJoie from Van Buren, Maine
- Braden Lake from Rupert, Idaho
- Nate Lancaster from Connell, Wash.
- Mike Larson from Rupert, Idaho
- Travis Meacham from Moses Lake, Wash.
- Chad Platt from Kennewick, Wash.
- Suzanne Price from Washington, D.C.
- Jordan Reed from Pasco, Wash.
- Matthew Skogman from Foster City, Mich.
- Jared Smith from Blanca, Colo.
- Paul Streich from Kalispell, Mont.
- Lucas Wysocki from Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.