Uncategorized

…..Lights…..Camera…..Can You Repeat the Question???

During our Richmond Session, the VALOR Class fellows had the pleasure of performing a television interview simulation. (When I say pleasure, I really mean nerve-wracking experience.)  This session of “Video Interview Strategies – Ideas & Practice” was facilitated by Virginia Farm Bureau media pros Norman Hyde and Sherri McKinney.  While we were provided the topic… Continue reading …..Lights…..Camera…..Can You Repeat the Question???

Legislation and Regulations, Seminars

The amazing Universal #2 meat grinder

For their prior gathering, the VALOR fellows found themselves in Richmond while the General Assembly was in session.  Oft described as sharing many traits with sausage making, the legislative process was in full swing and on display for the fellows to enjoy. But, the legislative process is only half of the story. (OK...yes, you're right... … Continue reading The amazing Universal #2 meat grinder

Communication, Education and Awareness

Farmers know why

Farmers know why they do what they do. The VALOR Fellows recently reviewed a TED TALK featuring Simon Sinek titled “How Great Leaders Inspire Action”. http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action.htmlThis video puts forth the notion that Great Leaders inspire action by having a belief and putting forth that belief.  The examples given are from business where companies such as Apple… Continue reading Farmers know why

Education and Awareness

Reblogged: Virginia celebrates National Ag Day

Published on TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013, Plow and Politics Virginia celebrates National Ag Day Happy National Agriculture Day! To celebrate, we found an article by Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent Scott Reiter in Prince George County with current statistics that you may or may not have known about American and Virginia agriculture. American agriculture: generations nourishing generations… Continue reading Reblogged: Virginia celebrates National Ag Day

Legislation and Regulations, Political Advocacy, Uncategorized

The Gentleman from Caroline

At the most recent VALOR seminar, the fellows’ met many interesting people in Virginia’s government, including those representing two of the three branches of our state government, the Executive and the Legislative Branches. We were most fortunate to meet not just a friend of agriculture in the legislature, but a true leader in our industry,… Continue reading The Gentleman from Caroline

Communication, Legislation and Regulations, Political Advocacy, Seminars

Reblogged: Ready for Richmond: Leadership and legislation in action

VALOR class members were in Richmond, Va., from Feb. 11-14, 2013 to learn about legislative advocacy and policy development. While meeting with Martha Moore of Virginia Farm Bureau Governmental Relations and Donna Pugh Johnson, past-president, Virginia Agribusiness Council, the class received firsthand information about lobbying and relationship building. The seasoned lobbyists shared the importance of… Continue reading Reblogged: Ready for Richmond: Leadership and legislation in action

Communication, Legislation and Regulations, Political Advocacy, Seminars

Truth In Lobbying

What is your view of lobbying? Or better yet, what is your opinion of a lobbyist? During our Legislative Advocacy and Policy Development Seminar in Richmond, the VALOR fellows had the opportunity to answer that question.  Martha Moore, Vice President of Governmental Relations for Virginia Farm Bureau and Donna Pugh Johnson, Past-president of Virginia Agribusiness Council were… Continue reading Truth In Lobbying