THREE YEARS AGO, IPC commissioners and the executive staff drafted a mission statement for the Idaho Potato Commission. The purpose was to consolidate the many pages of rules and guidelines governing the Commission into a succinct, understandable statement.
This one-page document has become our guiding light. It outlines the primary roles and responsibilities of the organization, keeping us on course, making sure that our objectives and our day-to-day tasks to meet these objectives are always clear and focused.
In July, IPC commissioners and the executive staff met for a strategic planning session to review the mission statement. It's important that this statement be reviewed every few years to make sure that it is still relevant to the current environment.
We made some minor revisions, and I would like to share the updated version with you. The most prominent change is in the first paragraph, where we emphasize our work with state, federal government agencies and national industry organizations to leverage support.
We live in a global marketplace, and as such, we must be able to work hand-in-hand with other organizations to accomplish our objectives and also make certain that Idaho potatoes remain a premium brand.
I refer to these guidelines often, especially as we direct IPC funds to achieve the best return on investment. A copy of the mission statement hangs in the reception area of the IPC office for all to read. It serves as a reminder to everyone who walks through the door of what the Commission does to support the Idaho industry.
Idaho Potato Commission Mission Statement
Lead, Promote, Protect
To contribute to the economic welfare of the State of Idaho, its potato growers and other potato-related businesses;
By leading, through facilitation, the various Idaho potato organizations in achieving mutually beneficial goals, including conducting strategic analyses of markets and marketing opportunities, maximizing research and education funds in improving quality, yield and variety expansion, and working with State and Federal government agencies and National industry organizations to best leverage support;
By promoting and advertising Idaho's famous brand and certification marks with consumers, retailers/wholesalers, foodservice operators/distributors, and expanding both domestically and internationally all forms of Idaho potatoes;
And by protecting Idaho potato registered trademarks and certification marks through approval and monitoring procedures which ensure compliance and aggressively challenging any improper usage.
If you have any questions about the mission statement, please don't hesitate to contact me at the IPC office or email me fmuir@potato.idaho.gov.