Alexandria, Virginia, USA
September 9, 2010

Source: ASTA Seed newsletter

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Management Academy will be held Feb. 28 - March 3, 2011, in West Lafayette, Indiana.

The Academy, hosted by Purdue University's Center for Food and Agricultural Business, is a management development seminar designed specifically for seed industry professionals. It focuses on the practical application of general management concepts that are critical to the long-term success of seed businesses.

"The ASTA Management Academy challenges participants to consider the linkages between core business functions and how the decisions they make affect others in the organization," says Aissa Good, senior project manager at the Center for Food and Agricultural Business.

The Academy is really designed to engage attendees and provide them with new perspectives and tools they can use on the job, Good explains.

Registration is available online at https://www.agecon.purdue.edu/cab/programs/index.asp?programCode=asta.  

There is limited seating; registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration, which includes all program materials, refreshments and some meals, is $2,595 for ASTA members and $3,695 for non members.

To date, more than 1,050 seed industry professionals representing all segments of the industry and more than 300 firms worldwide have graduated from the Academy.

ASTA Management Academy participants can expect to:

• Discuss the changing agribusiness environment and future implications.
• Explore fundamental marketing strategies.
• Discuss the five functional areas of business with other participants and consider how a decision made in one area impacts the others.
• Evaluate strategies for creating and leveraging a competitive advantage.
• Identify and apply financial management tools that examine the profitability of a company and increase the understanding of how to make a positive impact.
• Understand what makes employees perform well and the characteristics of leadership that work for relationships up, down and across the organization

Areas of focus will include marketing management, organizational leadership, financial management and strategic management.

A video and additional information about the Academy is available at https://www.agecon.purdue.edu/cab/programs/index.asp?programCode=asta.  

For questions, contact Good at 765-496-3884 or aissa@purdue.edu.

Website: http://www.amseed.org

Published: September 10, 2010