FCC 2018

Farmers and co-op managers face a challenge hiring and retaining qualified employees. In this session, leaders will share how their co-ops are leveraging the cooperative difference to retain talent and to build cooperative culture.

Kimberly Frederickson, Director of Learning and Organizational Development, Organic Valley

Farmers and co-op managers face a challenge hiring and retaining qualified employees. In this session, leaders will share how their co-ops are leveraging the cooperative difference to retain talent and to build cooperative culture.

Phil Kenkel, Professor and Bill Fitzwater Cooperative Chair, Oklahoma State University

Farmers and co-op managers face a challenge hiring and retaining qualified employees. In this session, leaders will share how their co-ops are leveraging the cooperative difference to retain talent and to build cooperative culture.
Tessa Burgener, Communications Manager, Aurora Cooperative

Farmer cooperatives use a variety of defined benefit and defined contribution programs for their employees. As mergers become more common, directors need to understand the differences between plans and the impact on the cooperative.
Mike Boland, Professor and Director, University of Minnesota Food Industry Center
Tim Goodman, Partner, Dorsey & Whitney
Mike Trosen, General Manager, Meadowland Farmers Co-op

Executive succession planning involves defining characteristics and skills, aligning goals, developing mechanisms to identify quality candidates. In this session, we will hear from co-op leadership on how they are preparing for CEO succession.

Pete Kappelman, Board President, Land O’Lakes

Executive succession planning involves defining characteristics and skills, aligning goals, developing mechanisms to identify quality candidates. In this session, we will hear from co-op leadership on how they are preparing for CEO succession.

Ann Kafer, Vice President, Human Resources & Strategy Officer, GROWMARK

In an environment of growth via mergers, cooperatives can struggle with identity preservation, culture, and maintaining strong connections with their members. We will explore the innovative strategies that companies have used to grow smartly, enhancing their employee and customer commitment and retaining their mojo.
Tom Field, Director, Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

A board of directors elected by and from the membership is one of the co-op model’s greatest assets. As co-ops evolve to meet the needs of a changing world, how do we bring a wider range of thought and experience into the board room? This session will explore the different techniques cooperatives can use to integrate new and diverse perspective into their decision-making.

Kristine Thompson, Director of Business Integration, CHS Inc.

A board of directors elected by and from the membership is one of the co-op model’s greatest assets. As co-ops evolve to meet the needs of a changing world, how do we bring a wider range of thought and experience into the board room? This session will explore the different techniques cooperatives can use to integrate new and diverse perspective into their decision-making.
David Scheevel, Chairman of the Board, Foremost Farms

Agriculture is under increasing demand and pressure from consumer advocacy groups and regulators to deliver on sustainability goals. In this session we will hear from co-op leaders on how they are leveraging sustainability initiative to increase their competitive advantage.

Cathy Resler, Head of Global Sustainability, Ocean Spray Cranberries