Step Up, Stand Out, and LEADelaware!

The LEADelaware Class III planning committee has announced revised dates for its two-year agricultural leadership program. The sessions will begin on September 12, 2012 and continue through spring 2014.

The program is seeking 15-20 candidates just like you, who are involved in the agriculture industry as professional employees, farmers, teachers, or other related career fields and have a desire to be the next generation of leaders within the agricultural community.

During the two-year program, class members will participate in teamwork and leadership activities, visit local and regional agribusinesses, meet agriculture policy makers, and plan an international trip to experience diversity in perspectives and agricultural practices.

Bill McGowan, UD community development extension agent in Sussex County and LEADelaware committee member says, “LEADelaware is an opportunity to learn and experience leadership.”

Do you think you have what it takes to step up, stand out, and lead Delaware’s $8 billion industry? If so, hurry because the deadline is Friday, June 15, 2012!

For more information about the program or application process, visit their website or contact Laurie Wolinski at 302.831.2538.

MidAtlantic Farm Credit establishes Leadership Endowments

Three-year commitment to support4-H and RULE programs

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA—A $25,000 gift, building on an existing relationship with the state 4-H program, will create The Farm Credit State 4-H Council Endowment for Leadership, and an equal amount will continue funding of the RULE (Rural Leadership) Scholarship and Study Institute.

One of the largest agricultural lenders on the east coast, MidAtlantic Farm Credit has been providing significant support to rural leadership initiatives in Pennsylvania since 2007. Past gifts have allowed 4-Hers to take part in leadership opportunities in the context of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) and have provided funds, allowing RULE to enhance rural leadership programming while lowering financial barriers to participation for RULE Fellows.

The RULE program, designed to encourage and foster the development of community leaders, is recognized for its global impact and regional outreach. RULE’s graduates have not only attained high public office, but are also known as positive community change agents. The Farm Credit gift will provide ongoing support for RULE participants and programming.

The newly announced Endowment for Leadership will help support the Pennsylvania 4-H Leadership Conference, a weekend-long educational experience that brings together hundreds of 4-H delegates from across the state for a conference that builds and enhances their skills they will use in 4-H leadership roles and beyond.

Pennsylvania 4-H Program Leader Christy Bartley commented, “The creation of The Farm Credit State 4-H Council Endowment for Leadership will help provide perpetual funding for the State 4-H Council and a sustainable funding stream to bolster the state 4-H Leadership Conference. This generous support from MidAtlantic Farm Credit will allow 4-Hers to work with leadership educators to build and perfect their skills. “

“We’re fully committed to the next generation of agriculturalists and rural leaders,” says Bob Frazee, CEO of MidAtlantic Farm Credit. “We’re very excited about this partnership, and we know that it will be a wonderful learning opportunity for talented people across the state.”

Pennsylvania 4-H provides a solid foundation of leadership experiences to more than 180,000 young people each year. 4-H thrives on its ability to nurture youth of every socioeconomic background through building relationships with a caring adult mentor. This unique focus allows 4-H volunteers to focus on core life-skill-building needs.

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. The 4-H program is all about people sharing, doing, and learning together in all kinds of projects, events and activities through local clubs, special interest clubs, school-based and after-school programs and individual memberships.

Media Contact:
Sandy Wieber, Senior VP of Marketing
MidAtlantic Farm Credit
swieber@mafc.com / 800.333.7950