NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
February 1, 2010
 

Effective leaders dedicated to adapting their environment for the better

February 1, 2010 Sarnia, ON – Class 13 members from the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) participated in their third seminar in Sarnia from January 10 – 13, 2010, with an emphasis on dealing with change, decision-making and leadership.  Class members explored the issues and innovations related to alternative energy sources, learned about the political processes in Sarnia-Lambton County and gained insights to how a variety of leaders adapt to change.

Members of the AALP were welcomed by Mayor Dick Kirkland from the Village of Point Edward, and Mayor Mike Bradley from the City of Sarnia.  Both Mayors noted the importance of including younger generations on committees.  Looking at current programs in the city, Class 13 was moved by a presentation by Gayle Montgomery from the Circles Program and in turn, donated $426 to help this organization that strives to bridge the gap between socioeconomic classes.

The use and production of alternative energy sources was a focus for a majority of the seminar.  Vice-President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Don McCabe, provided an alternative view on the definition of a farmer and challenged land use for renewable energy sources.  A bus tour of Sarnia-Lambton County led by Dean Edwardson, General Manager of the Sarnia-Lambton Environmental Association, and John Young, AALP Class 8, educated the class about infrastructure, solar panel farms and the biofuel industry in Sarnia.  The class was also led on a tour of Suncor Ethanol and UWO Research Park.

Peter Hannam, President of Woodrill Farms, and Mark Waldron of M. W. Waldron Associates, led the group through an introduction to Strategic Planning.  Class members were also engaged by presentations from Glenn Jack, President of Ontario Sugar Beet Growers Association, and Jay Bradshaw, President of Syngenta Crop Protection Canada.  A tour to Enniskillen Pepper Co. Ltd. Greenhouse owned and operated by AALP alumni Jack and Christine Greydanus, showed Class 13 the benefits of taking chances and how investing in new opportunities can provide great success.
Program Leaders in Sarnia-Lambton County and Seminar 3 presentations demonstrated to the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program Class 13 participants that being an effective leader requires adapting to change, taking responsibility and making decisions.  The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) is now preparing for their ‘Winter Magic’ Dream Auction on Saturday February 20, 2010.  For tickets and information, please contact The Centre for Rural Leadership.

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Darlene Downey                  Andre Roy            Christa Royce
AALP Class 13                 AALP Class 13   AALP Class 13
Caledon                               Cambridge                Listowel
dardowney@hotmail.com   andreroy@rogers.com      croyce@trilliummutual.com