318 Biochemistry Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0763
NEBRASKA LEAD GROUP XXV TRAVELS TO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND IN JANUARY OF 2007
The long awaited announcement regarding the destination of the Nebraska LEAD Group XXV International Study/Travel Seminar was recently made at their seminar at Chadron State College. Program Director, Dr. Allen Blezek, made the announcement during a special event, hosted by Dr. Blezek and his wife,Kay, by saying that traveling internationally contnues to present challenges with regard to safety, cost and destinations that are not repetitive of travels with other groups in the past few years. As we looked at the big picture, and studied the previously stated considerations, we determined that there might never be a better time to include Australia and New Zealand in our lengthy list of destinations of travel over the past twenty-four years. While many of the other states, with similar programs, have traveled to Australia and New Zealand, it just seemed like we could never quite pull things together but now is the time! These destinations will provide an opportunity to study the similarities, diferences, challenges and opportunities between our countries. Agricultural trade policy in these two countries, for example, will be in sharp contrast with our current policies in the United States." Blezek shared a lengthy list of visits and briefings that have already been confirmed and indicated that home stays will be a part of the experience in each country. He said that these opportunities would include not only discussions with leaders of agriculture and agribusiness but will also include interaction with leaders in the areas of government, business, industry, history and culture.
FARM BUREAU AWARD HONORS NEBRASKAN ALLEN BLEZEK
Nebraska Farm Bureau awarded its highest honor, the Silver Eagle, to Allen G. Blezek, of Lincoln during Farm Bureau's annual convention in Kearney.
Nebraska Farm Bureau President Keith Olsen presented the honor to Blezek, Executive Director of the Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Program for the past twenty-five years amd member of the NU faculty for over thirty years. Blezek conducts monthly three-day seminars throughout the state and annually plans and implements both the national and international study/travel seminars. The international experience allows participants to learn first hand about the culture, social issues and policies of other nations. Soon, more than 750 Nebraskans will have graduated from the program and these folks now occupy positions of leadership throughout Nebraska, our nation and even into the world community, Olsen said. He cited Blezek's leadership skills as well as his extensive state, national and international contacts, his fund-raising and negotiating skills, and strong fiscal management.
As a member of the Nebraska Vocational Agriculture Foundation Board, Olsen said Blezek was the driving force in bringing financial stability and adding facilities to the foundation's Leadership Center at Aurora, including a gym, swimming pool, lodging facilities and additional meeting rooms. Blezek leveraged fund-raising with small business loans to add the improvements in stagaes, Olsen said, and today the center is used year-round by many Nebraska and regional organizations. "Allen G. Blezek Hall" was dedicated at the center in 1990 in recognition of his work in supporting the Leadership Center.
BLEZEK
ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT:
In his retirement comments to the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council’s Board of Directors, Blezek said “I believe that all would agree, with the present sense of momentum in the program, that we are on an all time high with respect to the large number of applicants, a solid financial base, a number of endowments in place or in the process of being finalized, highly recognized efforts in public relations and raving program reviews at all levels”. <> Blezek pledged “to do everything within my power to assure a smooth transition and to operate with full steam ahead, with business as usual, until my last day”.
The Program Director is provided by the
2006-2007 PROGRAMMING YEAR IS AT HALF-WAY POINT:
It seemed like yesterday when the programming year started in September but program delivery is already nearing the half way point with seminars now complete for the first year group (Nebraska LEAD Group XXVI) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the Southwest Nebraska Seminar and the Communications Seminar at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The second year group (Nebraska LEAD Group XXV) has now completed seminars at Chadron State College, the IANR Seminar at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Wayne State College and at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Each seminar adds yet additional elements, components, and skills to the overall Nebraska LEAD Program experience. Deliberately, like pieces of a jig saw puzzle, each piece fits together to ultimately configure the whole experience which has been recognized by so many as being one of the most important sources of leadership for the future of both agriculture and our state in the years ahead.
POSITION OPENINGS:
Governor Heineman is seeking applicants for some sixty state boards and commissions which will have vacancies in the first half of 2007. A few of these openings are with the Game and Parks Commission, Governance Committee for the Platte river, Natural Resources Commission, Power Review Board, Telecommunications Commission (vacancies occurring in January); Environmental Trust Board (vacancy in march); Greenbelt Advisory Committee (vacancy in May); and Corn Board, Wheat Board, Environmental Quality Council, Platte River Citizens Advisory Council and Cooperative Agreement (vacancies in June).
Eligibility requirements apply for the various positions. For more information, contact Peggy King in the Governor's Office (402-471-1971). To apply online, go to www.nebraska.gov and click on the link for "governor" in the state agencies section. Then click "contact the governor". Application forms are included and can be completed and submitted electronically. Application forms are also available by calling (402) 471-1971.
ANNUAL DONOR CAMPAIGN NOW UNDERWAY:
The program continues to be fortunate to have a close working relationship with the University of Nebraska's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. IANR has, since day one, provided the Program Director as well as office space. Yet, all operating expenditures are provided by contributions which come primarily from the private sector and through the annual campaign.
Therefore, you should have be received a mailing in December, which again asked you to help provide support for the program. While every effort is made to contain program costs, expenditures continue to climb and it is important that you give as much as possible. These contributions allow you to automatically become a member of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, Inc. Council membership is $100 or more for individuals and $500 or more for corporations, businesses, foundations and others. All contributions are tax deductiible, will be personally acknowledged, and will be included in our annual honor roll of donors in the Annual Report of the Council.
If you are a new donor and have questions about the annual campaign, or wish to visit about larger contributions or planned giving, please call the program offices at 402-472-6810.
For those who have been long time supporters - thank you again for your consideration and thank you again for your loyal support over the years.
GOVERNOR TO BE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT 2007 ANNUAL RECOGNITION BANQUET:
Keynote speaker for the 2007 Annual Recognition Banquet will be Governor Dave Heineman. Mark your calendars for the Annual Recognition Banquet and make plans to attend on March 9, 2007, at the Nebraska East Campus Union at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This banquet will honor Nebraska LEAD Class XXV as they complete their two year program. More details will follow in the LEAD Review newsletter and again this portion of the home page. The goal will be to have another record attendance at this banquet.
NEBRASKA LEAD "FELLOWS" FOR 2006-2008 ANNOUNCED
Thirty finalists for Nebraska LEAD Group XXVI have been announced by Allen G. Blezek, Director of the Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Program, as the newest members of Nebraska's premier two-year agricultural leadership development program.
Public announcement was made as the Nebraska LEAD Program is in it's twenty-sixth year of operations.
"Once again we are proud to say that Class XXVI appears to be filled with outstanding individuals from throughout the State", said Blezek.
"Each Nebraska LEAD group is made up exclusively of participants who are involved in both production agriculture or agribusiness in Nebraska. The two-year program will begin in September and will include twelve monthly three-day seminars across Nebraska, a ten-day national study/travel seminar and a two to three-week international study/travel seminar. With the end goal of developing those problem solvers, decision makers and spokespersons for agriculture and our state. Seminars focus on agriculture as well as business, industry, labor, economics, public policy, religions, politics, governments, history and a host of other areas designed to speed up the leadership development process through exposure to a broad array of current topics and issues and how they interrelate."
The Nebraska LEAD Program is operated by the non-profit Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, Inc. in cooperation with the NU Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and ten other institutions of higher education throughout Nebraska.
Nebraska LEAD XXVI "Fellows" in alphabetical order by hometown, are: Eldon Bish and Dwayne Braun, Aurora; Willow Holoubek, David City; Lana Likens and Brian Starck, Fairbury; Ron Pavelka, Glenvil; Charles Anderson, Harrisburg; Michael Fogarty, Hartington; Mark Koch, Laurel; Scott Spohn, Lincoln; Brooks Larson, Lyons; Susan Nelson, Monroe; Suzanne Glendy, Oconto; Brian Wray, Ord; Jim Ballard, Raymond; Norman Lewandowski, Rockville; Bryce Kelley, Scottsbluff; Paul Schadegg, Sidney; Nick Ladenburger, Stratton; Craig Grams and Grady Koch, Upland; Wayne Bruns, Waco; Jeff Friedrich, Wausa; Scott Eisenmenger, West Point; Marty Larsen, Whitman; Matthew Albers, Wisner; Katie O'Kief, Wood Lake; Britt Anderson and Jason Bonsack, Wood River; Wayne Sackschewsky, York.
CONTRATULATIONS TO JOHN MILLER
Oxbow Pet Products, producers of high quality nutrition for small herbivores, was named U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) national exporter of the year. Oxbow was also named SBA state and Region VII exporter of the year.
What abegan in 1980 as a commercial hay company for horses and dairies has evolved into one of the most recognized names in the small herbivore nutrition industry. Producers of veterinarian-recommended premium feeds and fortified life-state pelleted diets, Oxbow's lineup of packaged nutrition also includes timothy and orchard grasses, brome, oat hay and alfalfa. Its Critial Care (TM) syringe-fed diet product set the industry standard for the care of convalescent pet herbivores.
"The story of Oxbow Pet Products and the innate skills of its founder, John Miller, once again proves that America is ripe for innovative entrepreneurs who, when given the chance, can lead the world in quality and productiveness," said Hector V. Barreto, SBA administrator. Sam Jones, Region VII administrator, had similar comments. "John Miller's willingness to innovate, seek challenges and spread his knowledge has set him apart as a standard-bearer," he said.
Miller relied on key components that commonly lead to entrepreneurial success: instinct, research, quality product, effective marketing and hard work. Today, Oxbow Pet Products exports more than $1 million in high-quality, high-fiber nutrition to more than 20 countries.
Miller attributes his success to several fators. "When we started Oxbow Pet Products, the market was ready and our timing couldn't have been better," he said. "The success of Oxbow lies in the empowerment of its employees who have teamed up to provide a product of superior nutrition for small herbivores." Miller is an alum of Nebraska LEAD Class IV and a member of the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, Inc.
Oxbow maintains a professional advisory board consisting of a diverse group of top exotic veterinarians, researchers, nutritionists, scientits and private practitioners to ensure the best product on the market. For more information on Oxbow Pet Products, visit www.oxbowhay.com.
FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR NEBRASKA LEAD GROUP XXVII:
Fellowship applications for Nebraska LEAD Group XXVII are available for men and women involved in production agriculture and agribusiness.
Up to thirty individuals will be selected from production agriculture and agribusiness with preference given to individuals in the general age range of 25-50 years who have "demonstrated leadership potential".
In addition to monthly three-day seminars, throughout Nebraska (September through April) each year, Nebraska LEAD "Fellows" also participate in a 10-day National Study/Travel Seminar and a two- to three-week International Study/Travel Seminar. Seminar themes include economics, finance and industry, international trade, politics, business, labor, environment, government, communications as well as agriculture.
The program is designed to prepare the spokespersons, problem-solvers and decision makers for the State of Nebraska and its agricultural industry, Blezek said. Now celebrating its silver anniversary, the program is operated by the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in cooperation with Nebraska colleges and universities, business and industry and individuals throughout the state.
Applications are due no later than June 15th of each year for the next class and are available from the Nebraska LEAD Program Office in Room 318 Biochemistry Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 68583-0763 or by telephoning the office at (402) 472-6810 and requesting an application packet.
DR. BLEZEK TO PROMOTE THE NEBRASKA LEAD PROGRAM DURING THE ANNUAL "MEDIA BLITZ":
Over 40 radio stations, 40 newspapers and
five television
stations have been included in the annual "media blitz" for the
Nebraska
LEAD Program. The "blitz" is designed to meet with local members of the
media to promote applications for Nebraska LEAD Group XXVII which will
begin
this fall.
The "blitz" utilizes a southern route across Nebraska
enroute to the Panhandle Seminar in Scottsbluff and then the following
week
utilizes a northern route across that part of the state. Travels also
include
visits to: Campus Coordinators; College and UniversityAdministrators;
major
donors; members of the NALC Board and others.
The "media blitz" is recognized as one of
the most effective promotion and recruitment tools utilized by program
officials in annually promoting applicants for the next class.
NEW NEBRASKA LEAD PROGRAM VIDEO:
The Nebraska LEAD Program has been fortunate to be able to update the video program with a new, modern VHS video and CD's. Kim Peterson, Nebraska LEAD XVIII, updated photographs, as well as creating the video and cd's for use in promoting the Program. Thank you, Kim, for a job well done.
NOW AVAILABLE . . . TWENTY FIVE YEAR FOLLOW-UP STUDY :
Results of the most recent twenty-five year
follow-up
study of the
Nebraska
LEAD Program will soon be presented to the Board of the Nebraska
Agricultural
Leadership Council, Inc. Findings indicate an abundance of
accolades for
the
many positive outcomes and results of the program. An "Executive
Summary" of the findings will soon be made available for your
inspection on our home
page
at www.ianr.unl.edu/lead/.
CURRENT NEBRASKA LEAD STRATEGIC/ACTION PLAN
Program officials continue to move forward with the implementation of the most recent five year Nebraska LEAD Program/Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, Inc Strategic Action Plan. Program officials have always developed and utilized long term strategic action plans in charting the course of the program. While changes and modifications continue to occur, the plans have always been very useful and surprisingly on target in projecting future trends, needs and direction for overall program operations. A copy of the current plan entitled "Enhancing A Tradition of Excellence" can be found elsewhere by referring to the home page index.
ADDRESS CHANGES
If you have moved during the past year, please give the Nebraska LEAD Office a call (402-472-6810), send us a card or e-mail to at kwalbridge1@unl.edu to share your new address and telephone number. Your help will enable the office to keep records up-to-date and also save a good deal of money on returned mail.
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS OPEN
Nebraska LEAD Alumni are reminded that leadership positions continue
to become available at all levels including the Nebraska agricultural
commodity
boards. Please contact the commodity board directly for
details.
VISIT THE NEBRASKA LEAD OFFICES the next time you are on UNL East Campus. Our address is 318 BioChem Hall and is located just east of the Nebraska East Campus Union.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
We wish to take this opportunity to once again thank the colleges,
universities, campus coordinators, presenters, and supporters who help
to make the program such a success. Many changes have taken
place,
and will continue to take place, in program delivery as we try to
remain on "the cutting edge" of new issues facing agriculture and our
society.
Program success relies heavily upon support from so many people.
However, no program can rest on past successes and we must continually
seek new opportunities for up-to-date educational programming.
Again,
for all of the help, a big thank you.
Another group deserving our appreciation is the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council Board of Directors who provides valuable support and guidance.
MANY GROUPS CALL OUR OFFICE ASKING FOR A SET OF MAILING LABELS for one purpose or another. Seldom do we provide the labels because of cost and considerations of privacy. Additionally, remember that the Nebraska LEAD Program does not endorse any product, service or issue. Therefore, be extremely cautious of mail or calls of solicitation that somehow make reference to the Nebraska LEAD Program.
CONSIDERABLE ATTENTION CONTINUES TO BE FOCUSED ON FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEBRASKA LEAD ENDOWMENT FUND. Discussions continue with respect to examining the role of the University of Nebraska Foundation in providing assistance in this effort. A goal of three million dollars has been established to provide ongoing operating support for the Nebraska LEAD Program. Questions, inquiries or suggestions can be directed toward Allen Blezek in the Nebraska LEAD Program Office.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR THE NEBRASKA AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL, INC. Dues are $100 or more for individuals and $500 or more for businesses and corporations. Membership on the Council represents your investment in developing Nebraska's problem solvers, decision makers and spokespersons for tomorrow's agriculture and the state. Dues are an important part of the financial base of the annual operating budget for the Nebraska LEAD Program. Although dues are payable at any time, the annual year runs from July 1 to June 30 of each year.
NEBRASKA FARMER HIGHLIGHTS: Continue to watch for upcoming issues of the Nebraska Farmer Magazine for feature interviews with alumni of the Nebraska LEAD Program on current issues facing agriculture, our state and nation.
NEBRASKA LEAD CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Ryan (LEAD XXII) and Kristi Weeks on the birth of their
daughter, Brynn Lillian on December 15
NEBRASKA
LEAD SYMPATHY TO:
Doug (LEAD XXV) and Gail Saathoff on the recent death of his mother
Laif (LEAD XXVI) and Sondra Anderson on the recent loss of their daughter
Return to the Nebraska LEAD home page.
