PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR, COLBY
Wednesday, December
5, 2007
Scribe: Robert L. Sage
Skip Sharp welcomed KARL Class 9 to
Colby, Kansas and Colby Community College. Skip informed the class of some of
the history and development of the community college. He also told the class
that one of the continuing problems that management at the college is students
not having a field of study, career path or life goals set. Skip said, we as
college educators need help from community leaders in encouraging young people
to explore career fields at the Jr. High and Sr. High levels so more students
have a better idea of what they need to study in college.
Our first speaker was Bill Riley.
Bill spoke about key issues on board and committee participation. He talked
about the two ways organizations are formed:
1.
a group of people have an
idea, or
2.
an individual has an idea
and brings a group together
He also stressed the components of a
successful organization: Mission, Board, Constituency, CEO, Staff and Funding.
Next he focused on the board members
and their duties. First a board member must care about the board they are on.
They should make the effort to make the right decisions, read the materials
provided to them and of course attend meetings. Another duty of a board member
is their loyalty. A board member should not have a personal agenda; they should
be careful of conflicts in interest and make the right choices for the board.
Not only does a board member have
duties, they also have responsibilities. Mr. Riley stressed the following:
financial, ethical, operations and advancing the Mission. In his discuss on the
Role of Leadership it begins with a Mission, next is resources, then activity
which leads to human behaviors, life skills and vision.
Last, but certainly not least, was
the topic of the selection of board members. There are 6 criteria he felt were
important in the selection process. They were: potential leadership skills,
their sphere of influence, their expertise, their reputation, their interest in
the Mission and their problem solving skills on the board level.
The next speaker was Trent Loos. He
began with the following stats: since 1955 the amount of beef production has
doubled from the same number of cattle. And the total number of beef and diary
cattle today is 100 million which was the same number as pre-1840.
Also, 76,000 families produce 80% of the food in America.
Trent emphasized the fact that
everyone needs to promote the voice of agriculture. He also spoke to the fact
that the use of the word ‘harvest’ should be used instead of ‘slaughter’. He
said 145 million hogs and cattle are harvested while 365 million animals are
killed on the road each day.
Many people today have all animals
elevated to the level of humans. Some pets are considered children. From this
he explained that pet health and life insurance, along with pet estate planning
are the fastest growing segments in the insurance industry today.
Trent Loos is one of the largest
voices in America as an Agricultural activist. He tours the nation speaking on
behalf of all Agricultural interests and the Grass Roots Agricultural way of
life. His website is:
http://www.loostales.com/
Following a dinner sponsored by area
KARL donors, Trent Loos continued speaking by encouraging each of us to become
activists for our own personal causes. He noted a disconnect between consumers
and producers. In the 1860’s, it took 57% of the nation’s population to feed 20
million people. Today, it takes less than 2% of our population to feed nearly
200 million people. We, as food producers, need to tell our stories -- our
bumper stickers -- and get our message across. Perhaps the best thing we can do
as activists is get into the school system, contact our state representatives,
send letters to the editors of our local papers and spread our message. In
closing, Trent reminded each of us that core values are found here in the
heartland. It’s up to each of us to tell others what is important in our lives.
We possess the American spirit and must share that with the rest of
America.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Scribe:
Fran Richmond
Radio Program with Trent Loos:
The
morning program began with Trent Loos, complete with laptop computer and the
internet, ready to record a segment of Rural Route with the 30 KARL
members.
During the radio program, Aaron Gerdes, chair for the day, briefly explained the
KARL program. Also interviewed were Scott Hesse, Joe Carpenter, Jay Joy, Nathan
Kells, Trevor McKeeman, Robert Sage, Ken Woods, and
David Govert, on a variety of subjects ranging from challenges facing rural
leaders, to the proposed expansion of the Sunflower Electric Power Station at
Holcomb. At the end of the program, Trent ended the commentary with his
standard line: “All roads lead to a rural route.”
The
one-hour radio program, aimed at “bridging rural and urban America,” is taped
Monday through Friday and placed on the internet by 10:00 a.m. for radio
stations all across the country to pick up. He can be heard in Kansas on KFRM
at 2:30 p.m. The home website for Trent Loos is
http://www.loostales.com
News and Letter Writing Skills:
Mary Lou Peter-Blecha, News Coordinator, K-State Cooperative Extension, and KARL
Class VI graduate, led a discussion on media relations and working with the
media. She discussed the many differences between a daily or weekly newspaper,
and magazines that may be printed monthly or on an annual basis. It is
important for the agriculture community to provide information to news sources
in order to get their message out. She reminded the class to be patient with
reporters who may not know as much about an agriculture topic as the person
being interviewed, and that it is often helpful to provide extra information for
the reporter in the form of a fact sheet.
When writing a news article, she shared the following tips:
-
Make the first sentence an attention-getter.
-
A
photo may also be used to catch attention.
-
Put the most important information, such as the date and time, in the first
paragraph in case it is shortened by the newspaper.
-
Don’t editorialize or give opinions. Use facts.
-
Spell out acronyms for readers.
-
If sending information by e-mail, don’t send an attachment, due to the
difficulty of it being opened.
-
Honor newspaper deadlines.
News Writing Workshop:
The
KARL class members were asked to test their letter writing skills by writing a
letter to the editor of their local newspaper which would include the KARL
Personal Development Seminar, Trent Loos, and the Sunflower Electrical Power
Station at Holcomb. After writing their letters, the class divided into six
groups to read the results to their classmates. In turn, each group chose one
letter to be read to the class as a whole. Those chosen were Katie Kueser, Mark
Maris, Danielle Geesling, David Govert, Frank Male, and Aaron Gerdes. By a show
of hands, Katie Kueser received the most votes and will have her letter sent to
the Kansas Ag. Press for publication. All other class members were asked to
send their letters to their local newspapers.
Dear Editor,
Rural living. Isn’t it the best? I
for one am extremely proud and feel very blessed to live in Kansas. We have
unique tradition and way of life that I have come to love in my 9 years of being
a resident. However, I have a genuine concern for the sustainability of this
way of life in which we all hold so dear.
Recently I have had the extreme
fortune of becoming a member of the ninth class of the Kansas Agriculture Rural
Leadership (KARL) program. The KARL program is a two year commitment that I
share with 29 other classmates from all over the state of Kansas. Our main
purpose is to become more aware of issues facing agriculture and ultimately
become better spokesmen and women so we become advocates for the betterment and
growth of our rural communities.
Our most recent educational
opportunity came during our third seminar held in Colby, KS. We had the
privilege to visit, learn, and interact with one of the best advocates for
agriculture and the rural way of life…Trent Loos. Trent is a Nebraska-based
cattle producer and horse trainer, who writes a newspaper column and has radio
and television shows focused on the people and places in rural America.
Through his passion, Trent inspires
and educates others about agriculture and the need for preserving it in our
country.
Folks, we have GOT to do a better
job of telling our story and defending our rural way of life. If we don’t start
to speak up and educate others we will slowly lose our way of life….the rural
life. Agriculture is the backbone of our communities and it’s time we give back
to it what it has given to us. So friends be proud, speak up, and share the
word! Finally, remember that the next time you hear someone say a negative word
about agriculture, be sure to remind them not to talk with their mouth full!!!
More information about the KARL
program can be found at
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/karl/.
Respectfully,
Katie J. Kueser
Lunch was sponsored by Farm Credit of Western Kansas.
Multi-Media Workshops by Group:
Following lunch, the class was divided into two groups for the afternoon
multi-media workshops. Half of the class members met in Thomas Hall for Oral
Presentations, while the other half practiced TV Interviews in Ferguson Hall.
At break, the groups were reversed.
Mark Coberly, Gove County Commissioner, and KARL Class VI graduate, led a
discussion on extemporaneous speaking at meetings. Each class member drew a
topic from an envelope and had two minutes to prepare up to a five minute
presentation. Topics ranged from thoughts on banning abortion, juvenile
delinquency, and the United Nations as an obsolete entity, to teaching birth
control in the school, recycling to solve waste disposal, and corporate farms.
Mark explained that many times leaders are asked to speak on subjects without
much preparation, and on subjects they may not know much about.
The
TV interviews and critique session was led by Debbie Schwanke, Colby Community
College, Public Relations, and assisted by Rod Thomasson, director of the
broadcasting department.
In
her comments, Debbie refuted the bad rap and misnomer sometimes given to media
people, and stated that they were most often very nice people. Many just need
to be educated on agriculture issues and they do want to get your story
correct. Other tips included:
-
Don’t wait until the media people come to you. Instead, go to them with your
information.
-
Have two or three main thoughts in mind before going into an interview.
-
In a difficult situation, don’t hide, instead, just be honest. The question
isn’t “what’s wrong,” it is “what are we doing about the situation.”
-
Never say “no comment” as it sends the wrong message.
-
Don’t avoid answering calls from the media, as not responding will be
considered negative.
-
Make yourself available after the interview for questions.
-
Never go “off record” with comments to a reporter.
-
When you are in a room with an open microphone, assume it is on.
-
Be honest, and don’t make something up.
-
Avoid technical jargon.
-
Mistakes will happen. Call the reporter and tell them as it will help the
reporter in the future.
Following the discussion, Debbie interviewed each KARL class member on tape.
Questions were asked regarding their occupation and community involvement. In
addition, each member was asked personalized questions on controversial
agricultural issues, to test their interview skills.
Evening Meal:
The
KARL class members gathered for an evening meal at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mark
Winger, KARL Class III graduate, and KARL Board Chairman. It was a great dinner
in a relaxed, family atmosphere that all enjoyed.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Scribe: Trevor McKeeman
The
members of KARL class IX met on December 7th 2007 in the Garvey
Educational Room of the Prairie Museum in Colby Kansas.
The
class started with a moment of silence for the sacrifices made by Americans on
December 7th 1941 including those who lost their lives in Pearl
Harbor.
Program Director Jack Lindquist discussed the next session to take place in
Topeka January 16th - 18th, 2008. This session will
include the shadowing of State Legislators by each member of the class.
Class Chair David Govert introduced Mark Winger to the group. Mark, in addition
to being a panelist in this session, serves as Chairman on the KARL board of
directors.
This meeting was on Boards, Councils, Committees and Elected Positions and was
the final panel of the three day session on personal development. Mark
introduced the other panelist who included Dr. Jim Morrison, Ron Suppes, and
Larry Barrett.
Representative Jim Morrison
Dr. Morrison started the panel and discussed his role as a Representative in the
State Legislature. Jim indicated his education was as a neurologist but that he
was a practicing optometrist. Jim was elected to the House in 1992 and shared
several political stories including how he cut the tie off Representative now
Senator Pat Roberts. He has done this twice only to find out both ties were the
Senator’s favorites.
Representative Morrison focused many of his comments around the different styles
of legislative representation and the sacrifices that come with taking
leadership responsibilities. He discussed the difference between an appointed
leader vs. someone elected to represent the interests of a specific
constituency. Jim feels strongly that his role in the Legislature is to
represent the direct interests of his district. He said it is very different to
vote the needs of his district vs. trading votes with other members. Jim
mentioned he intentionally avoids higher leadership positions in the House
because it may take focus away from his local representation.
Mr.
Morrison also discussed the sacrifice that legislators make from a time and
financial perspective. Legislators have full time jobs or businesses, outside
the political office, which must be managed not only during the legislative
session but year round. This is particularly challenging and Jim has even
experience it in the operation of his own business through the loss of a good
business partner.
Jim
emphasized how important it is for members of the legislature to be committed to
making votes. While there are many other activities that demand time, he sees
voting as his responsibility to his constituents.
Mr.
Morrison discussed the differences between rural and urban areas of the state
and how that affects the legislature. He doesn’t see any benefit in trying to
divide the state into east vs. west when it comes to representation. Jim said,
while the geography is different between northwest and southeast Kansas, many of
the rural issues are the same. In general, rural parts of the state need to
stick together, and help develop policy that addresses rural concerns.
Jim
argued that taking any type of leadership position, whether in the Legislature
or any other position, there will be cost to you personally. That cost includes
both time and financial commitments. However this leadership is a critical part
of our society and in great need. This statement was interesting in the context
of the KARL motto “With Leadership Comes Responsibility.”
Jim
also discussed how important service organizations are and talked about his role
as a “Tale Twister” in the local Lyons Club.
Some of his final remarks, when questioned by the class, were on the subject of
the proposed power plant expansion and bioenergy center in Holcomb Kansas. He
said strongly supports Sunflower Electric in their efforts on both of those
projects and he believes Kansans need to use the resources available to them to
promote the wellbeing of citizens and the growth of the state.
Ron Suppes
The next panelist was Ron
Suppes who is a KARL Alumni and former School Administrator. He is now a farmer
and Chair of U.S. Wheat Associates. After his work as an administrator he
bought land in eastern Colorado because it was more cost effective then land in
Kansas and he spent years commuting from Colorado to his family’s home in
Kansas.
Ron
indicated one of the lessons he received out of his experience in the KARL
program was the need to be involved and take leadership positions in topics that
are important to you. Along those lines, he started getting involved in wheat
industry leadership when he was elected to the Kansas Wheat commission.
Mr.
Suppes discussed the Kansas Wheat commission merger with the Kansas Wheat
Growers Association and the how that was an interesting time to come on board.
He talked about the exceptional learning experience it was for him to be
involved in the merger of the groups. He also briefly mentioned similar efforts
to merge wheat organizations at the national level.
Ron
said he would have never guessed, as a farm boy, that he would have traveled the
world including Egypt on behalf of wheat producers. This shows just how global
the world market place really is now. He proposed that the U.S. must continue
to open and interact in global trade. For the benefit of our exporters, our
citizens, and our national interest we must resist efforts to isolate U.S.
industry from the world.
There were many good questions from the class after the panel presentation
directed toward Ron. Specifically questions about agriculture policy in
Washington and future opportunities and strategies for the wheat industry.
Larry Barrett
Larry Barrett was the next
panelist and started off discussing his background. Larry graduated and taught
school for one year and decided that wasn’t for him. He had grown up around
Denver and after leaving teaching he went back to the Denver to work with his
father. The family was an owner in the one of the largest private vocational
schools, at the time. Larry enjoyed this work and the school prospered.
He and his wife
wanted to raise their kids in a smaller town and decided to move to Colby. When
asked later why he specifically chose Colby he responded that a business was for
sale here and his wife grew up in the area. At that point they stopped the
search.
He bought,
owned, and operated Sunflower Savings and Loan which then became Colby Savings
and Loan. He sold that business 24 years ago and remains busy in a number of
business and civic activities.
Larry has served
on the local hospital board and was applauded by other members of the panel for
his instrumental role in local healthcare. Healthcare was recognized as one of
the critical issues facing rural communities and vital to the survival of many
small towns.
Besides the
hospital board, Larry served on the board of Farm Credit and has been actively
engaged, at a national level, on a golf related boards. He gave a very
insightful quote of “If you are going to be on a board you must enjoy it because
it takes lots of time and money.” He also believes that a person should not
become involved with a board if they are only interested and passionate on a
single issue. In his experiences board members in this position rarely make
good members. A board member will face a number of issues to maintain the
vitality of an organization and that takes patience, dedication, and interest
beyond one topic.
Mark Winger
Mark Winger discussed how
he has learned leadership skills. He said the key is to build off experiences
all the way from high school on. Find leaders who you respect and pattern
behavior off of those good attributes.
He said one
fundamental activity as a board member is to prepare before meetings including
reading the material before hand. It is amazing how important (and sometimes
neglected) this is for board member service.
Mark encouraged
starting at the lower level of service in an organization to get to know it
better and then decide if you want to continue to be involved. He told the
story of how he became involved on the board at Colby Community College.
He said as a
board member it is important to separate your responsibilities to the
organization and board vs. your day job if there is overlap. He gave an example
of approaching his boss about a similar situation and the excellent advice he
had received about being a good steward of an outside organization regardless of
his day job.
The class then
took a short break and reconvened outside of the conference room.
Standing there
was Dale Deaver from Levant Kansas. Dale was a veteran from WWII where he
served on a B-17 bomber. The Prairie Museum of Art and History in Colby has in
its collection a B-17 super fortress bombsight (device for placing bombs on
target when dropped from the airplane). These devices were top secret at the
time of their use because of their level of accuracy.
Dale was the
bombardier in a B-17 and explained the operation of the device. Dale now in his
80’s had been shot down on his 7th mission in 1945. He also showed a
model of the airplane and a picture with all of his crewmates.
Mr. Deaver said
after being hit with antiaircraft fire, the plane was forced to land.
Fortunately ground forces, a few days earlier, had just taken the ground that
the airplane landed on and every member of the crew survived.
He said he could
remember the names of all his crewmates in the picture. He said that he wanted
to look them up on the internet to see if any of them were still living,
particularly the pilot of the aircraft.
Members of the
KARL class offered to assist him in the process of finding his crewmates.
Dale and his
wife farmed side by side after the war until her death a few years ago.
Dale lead the
group in singing “God Bless America” and the class asked him many questions
about his time in the military. We also thanked him for his service to our
country and he said he was “glad to do it.”
The entire class
was taken back by Dale’s patriotism and his warm personality. It was truly an
honor to meet him, learn about the bombsight, and hear his stories.
After Dale’s
presentation the class completed their seminar feedback forms and recorded
individual audio messages on their experiences during the session.
The class
enjoyed lunch which was provided by Grafel Farms. The group was adjourned for
the trip home in wintry weather conditions.
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