03/23/07 Potato industry Leadership Institute

Farm and Ranch March 23, 2007 A once in a lifetime opportunity is how Autumn Weis describes her participation last month in the Potato Industry Leadership Institute Class of 2007. Weis, a member of the staff of the Washington Potato Commission, was one of three people from the state to attend the leadership training coordinated by the National Potato Council and the U.S. Potato Board. Washington growers Rob Davis and Toni Johnson also attended. Weis says the Institute began with three days in Presque Isle, Maine where they toured some facilities. Weis: "Basic American plant. It is called Naturally Potatoes, as well as visited some farms and a McCain plant as well as a research facility. After we got done in Maine we went down to Washington D.C. where we listened to presenters talk about lobbying issues as well as teaching us how to go into a congressional office and be comfortable talking to people about issues that affect us back home." Wies, Davis and Johnson met up with members of the Washington Potato Commission in Washington D.C. and put some of their lobbying training to work as the Commissioners had each Institute participant work an issue with a member of Senator Patty Murray's staff. The Washington Potato Commission pays for the state's participants to attend the Leadership Institute and Wies recommends it to anyone who gets the opportunity. Weis: "It is an opportunity to really get out and try something new and bring back what you can back home." That's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today! Good health tomorrow! I'm Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.