OFBF members make commitment to lead More than 700 OFBF members were challenged to reach out to consumers during this year's Leadership Conference in Columbus. The two-day training session, Commitment to Lead, was designed to prepare county chairpersons for the upcoming program year. Ira Blumenthal, president of a business development company whose clients include Coca-Cola, Nestle, Kroger, McDonald's and Wal-Mart, said farmers must be managers of the Our Ohio brand – OFBF's effort to reach consumers through magazine, Web and a television show debuting this fall. "We live in a branded world. And the reason for brands, real simple – credibility," he said. Blumenthal said consumers choose certain products, such as Coca-Cola, because they know and trust the brand. He applied that principle to agriculture and Our Ohio. He said it's up to farmers to extend the brand to the hearts and minds of consumers. "Share of mind will ultimately convert to share of market," he said. Jack Fisher, OFBF executive vice president, said Farm Bureau needs leaders if it is going to continue delivering on the promise of a better life for farmers and consumers alike. "If consumers don't see the relevance of agriculture in their lives, they will not be our ally," he said. He said good leaders don't make followers; they make more leaders. Fisher noted many of the organization's accomplishments in the past year, including playing a leading role in the passage of a state budget that limits state spending to its lowest level in 40 years. OFBF President Bob Peterson told participants that the flow of information from members to county, state and national levels must be improved to accomplish policy goals. "We have to be more united, more coordinated and more cohesive," he said. He encouraged the group to kindle a passion for Farm Bureau in a future leader. Caption: OFBF President Bob Peterson speaks about the need for Farm Bureau leaders. | |