Alexandria, Virginia
April 24, 2008
Seed industry executives will be
happy to update their Blackberrys®, iPhones© and Blackjacks™
with May 30, 2008; the date set for the much anticipated return
of FuSE Educational Units.
The Future Seed
Executives (FuSE) initiative focuses on educating and
supporting future seed industry executives, namely those with
fewer than seven years of seed industry experience. One method
of accomplishing this goal is with Educational Units. FuSE
became an official sub-committee of the
American Seed Trade Association's
(ASTA) Management Skills Committee in 2004.
The first of three Educational Units slated for 2008 will take
place at a Syngenta research center in Stanton, Minn., a college
town times two with St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges in the area.
Not only is there value for individuals who attend the
educational program, but the events are also beneficial for the
host organization. “The benefits go beyond what you might first
expect when you get involved in helping develop the future
leaders in our industry,” says Jack Bernens, head of industry
relations for Syngenta Seeds.
Highly popular with participants, the Educational Units provide
one-day educational opportunities hosted by ASTA member
companies in conjunction with a local university. During the
seminar, the host company provides an overview of its business,
gives a facility tour and engages participants in a discussion
around tools it employs to be successful in the seed industry.
Following the company presentations, a university facilitator
then leads participants through an interactive case study
associated with either the host company or key business tools.
Additional 2008 Educational Units will be held at AgReliant
Genetics, LLC, in Champaign, Ill., (July 23) and Seminis
Vegetable Seeds in Woodland, Calif., (Sept. 16). A few
complimentary registrations are available for graduate or
undergraduate students to attend the Educational Units to
enhance their knowledge of the seed industry. More information
regarding FuSE and this event is available at:
www.futureseedexecutives.com or email
info@futureseedexecutives.com.
Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA),
located in Alexandria, Va., is one of the oldest trade
organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of
approximately 750 companies involved in seed production and
distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North
America. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates
science and policy issues of industry importance. Its mission is
to enhance the development and free movement of quality seed
worldwide. |
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