Engaging Seminars and Workshops 2013 - 2014
Program Catalog
Welcome to the Business Management Center
Seeking, interpreting and sharing knowledge about the industries we serve is a core value of Northwest Farm Credit Services. We’re firmly committed to helping business owners and their families be successful long term. That’s why we’ve invested in educational programs and business facilitation to help you improve your management skills and support the transfer of leadership and management to the next generation. We have a strong history of working with family-owned businesses in our Business Management Center. Knowledgeable and experienced facilitators have worked with hundreds of family operations, non-family management teams and business boards, helping to improve management practices, communication and strategic planning. Over the years we’ve received tremendous feedback from our customers. They tell us these educational programs and one-on-one facilitation have made significant and lasting differences in their businesses. We hope you will take advantage of the BMC programs offered in 2013 - 2014. The schedule changes every year and we do our best to provide programs in a variety of locations. During these sessions you will gain insights to better manage your business. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to network with some of the successful producers we have the privilege of working with every day.
For program details, dates, updates and registration visit: northwestfcs.com/register
Table of Contents
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2013-2014 BMC Calendar
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RateWise™ Program
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Ag Outlook Conference
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Basic Financial Workshops: Level I & II
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Advanced Financial Workshops: Level III & IV
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Young and Beginning Producers Conference
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Executive Producers Summit:
Strategic Planning for Peak Performance
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Family Business Succession Planning Seminar
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Webinars
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One-On-One Strategic Planning and Facilitation
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BMC Faculty
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Business Management Center 2013-2014 Calendar Ag Outlook Conference Ag Outlook
Location - click to register
November 5, 2013 November 6, 2013 November 7, 2013
Salem, Oregon* Tri Cities, Washington* Twin Falls, Idaho*
*Conferences open to non-customers
Basic Financial Workshops Level I
Level II
Location - click to register
November 12, 2013
November 13, 2013
Great Falls, Montana
November 19, 2013
November 20, 2013
Bend, Oregon
December 3, 2013
December 4, 2013
Idaho Falls, Idaho
December 10, 2013
December 11, 2013
Spokane, Washington*
December 12, 2013
December 13, 2013
Benton City, Washington
*Spokane Financial Workshops open to non-customers
Advanced Financial Workshops Level III
Level IV
Location - click to register
November 14, 2013
November 15, 2013
Billings, Montana
November 21, 2013
November 22, 2013
Salem, Oregon
January 7, 2014
January 8, 2014
Spokane, Washington*
January 9, 2014
January 10, 2014
Benton City, Washington
January 14, 2014
January 15, 2014
Nampa, Idaho
*Spokane Financial Workshops open to non-customers
Register soon at northwestfcs.com/register Programs fill up quickly.
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Registration and details: northwestfcs.com/register
Featured Programs
Location - click to register
Family Business Succession Seminar Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2014
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Young and Beginning Producers Conference February 4-6, 2014
Spokane, Washington
Executive Producers Summit February 5-7, 2014
Spokane, Washington
Webinars Outlook for Agriculture – Dr. Dave Kohl
September 30, 2013
Economic Outlook (Q3) – Dr. Ed Seifried
October 25, 2013
Strategic Planning – Dr. Dave Kohl
November 25, 2013
Family Business Succession – Rich Thornton
December 2, 2013
Economic Outlook (Q4) – Dr. Ed Seifried
January 17, 2014
Personal Finance – Dr. Alex White
February 13, 2014
Family Business Basics – Dr. Deb Houden
February 25, 2014
Register soon at northwestfcs.com/register Programs fill up quickly.
Questions: bmc@northwestfcs.com or call 866.552.9193
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Welcome to the RateWise™ Program Northwest Farm Credit Services is dedicated to helping the next generation of producers learn and grow. Our RateWise program rewards young, beginning and small producers for continuing their management education with interest rate reductions on new loans. Program Features • Learn and Earn – Participate in educational programs, enhance your management skills, make your operation more successful, and accumulate RateWise credits to qualify for interest rate reductions on your next loan or renewed operating loan. • RateWise Registration – Beginning October 1, 2013, register online at northwestfcs.com/RateWise to start accumulating your RateWise credits. • Eligible Education Programs – Programs eligible for RateWise credits include: 1) programs hosted by Northwest FCS’ Business Management Center and Knowledge Center; 2) programs hosted by universities, industry groups and the Farm Service Agency; 3) programs hosted by other resources to improve producers’ management and production skills. • Earning RateWise Credits – Participants can accumulate RateWise credits for six years beginning on the date of their program registration. Credits will also be accepted online for eligible programs attended in the 12 most recent months prior to registering for the RateWise program.
Northwest FCS Programs
University, Industry and Farm Service Agency Programs
Other Programs
½ day = 2 credits 1 day = 4 credits 1+ days = 6 credits
½ day = 1 credit 1 day = 2 credits 1+ days = 3 credits
1 credit regardless of duration (maximum of 5 total credits earned)
*Participation in and/or completion of degreed programs are not eligible • Interest Rate Reductions – Rate reductions increase with the number of credits earned.
- 10 credits: 0.25 percent interest rate reduction for three years - 20 credits: 0.50 percent interest rate reduction for three years - 30 credits: 0.75 percent interest rate reduction for three years
• Certifying RateWise Credits – After registering for the RateWise program, participants can certify workshops and seminars completed by submitting a copy of the program’s agenda online. • Additional Benefits – Book your first loan using RateWise credits and receive all the benefits of our nationally recognized AgVision® program for young, beginning, and small producers including an invitation to the Young and Beginning Producers Conference.
Contact your local Northwest FCS office for more information or, Register for the RateWise™ program at northwestfcs.com/RateWise
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Registration and details: northwestfcs.com/RateWise
Ag Outlook Conference November 5, 2013 – Salem, Oregon - click to register November 6, 2013 – Tri Cities, Washington - click to register November 7, 2013 – Twin Falls, Idaho - click to register Overview This popular one-day seminar with Dr. Dave Kohl, Professor Emeritus at Virginia Tech., provides perspectives on the ‘Mega Trends’ in agriculture, including the global and national economies. Understanding trends helps producers determine the impact of macroeconomic factors influencing the future of agriculture. Dr. Kohl is a world leader in agricultural economics. His fun and engaging style makes complex macro-economic issues easy to understand and entertaining to learn.
Subjects Covered and Key Takeaways • • • •
U.S. Economics – Learn about the domestic economy and key trends impacting your business Global Economics – Gain a perspective on global markets and how they impact decisions you make every day Agricultural Focus – Learn how economic and political trends impact agriculture in the Northwest Networking – Meet and expand relationships with others in the agricultural community
Who Should Attend Farmers, ranchers, agribusiness professionals and agricultural cooperative leaders. Open to Northwest FCS customers and non-customers.
What Participants Say “We are all very busy in our day-to-day operations. However, I’d urge anyone who has the opportunity to attend. Time spent with Dr. Kohl and gaining his perspective on global and national trends has been very, very beneficial to me and my business. It is time well spent.”
Times: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants: 50 to 150 Fees: No charge – Lunch provided Attire: Business casual
Questions: bmc@northwestfcs.com or call 866.552.9193
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Basic Financial Workshops
Level I: Understanding Financial Statements Level II: Understanding Financial Analysis Level I
November 12, 2013 November 19, 2013 December 3, 2013 December 10, 2013 December 12, 2013
Level II
November 13, 2013 November 20, 2013 December 4, 2013 December 11, 2013 December 13, 2013
Location - click to register Great Falls, Montana Bend, Oregon Idaho Falls, Idaho Spokane, Washington* Benton City, Washington
*Spokane Financial Workshops open to non-customers
Overview Northwest FCS’ hands-on, basic financial workshops are for those who want to understand financial statements and utilize financial information as a decision-making tool for managing a business. These courses emphasize fundamental skills and key lessons through case studies and the application of concepts. Participants may attend one or both of these interactive workshops. There are no prerequisites.
Level I: Understanding Financial Statements
• • • • • •
Free Financial Calculator – Receive a specialized financial calculator to keep and use at home Financial Statement Basics – Learn financial statement terminology and fundamentals Balance Sheet – Build and analyze the balance sheet through hands-on activities Cash Flow Budget – Use a budget to project cash needs and make management decisions Time Value of Money – Evaluate the impact of personal and business financial decisions Financial Ratios – Use financial ratios to assess the business’ financial strengths and weaknesses
Level II: Understanding Financial Analysis
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Financial Ratios – Calculate and apply 12 financial ratios to help make decisions in your business Financial Analysis – Apply financial and strategic information to make key decisions Income Statement – Use the income statement as a decision-making tool, analyzing expenses and profits Banker’s Perspective – Understand lenders’ considerations when evaluating your business Strategic Thinking – Learn and apply key fundamentals used in strategic planning SWOT Analysis – Assess internal and external factors that influence business
Who Should Attend All family members and key, non-family employees involved in record keeping or financial planning.
What Participants Say “An overall focus on financials is widely overlooked in most of our operation - we mainly look at costs. I learned the value of knowing and studying the balance sheet and income statement to better understand my financial situation.” – Level I Participant “The workshop has me thinking more about how we look financially. Case studies helped me understand how I am looked at by potential lenders. The session was thought provoking and made me realize that I need to put more emphasis on cash flow and all our financial reports in general.” – Level II Participant Times (each day): 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Level I) 4:30 p.m. (Level II) Participants: 10 to 35 Fees: No charge – Lunch provided Attire: Business casual Supplies: Please bring a calculator for Level II
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Registration and details: northwestfcs.com/register
Advanced Financial Workshops
Level III: Managing Growth and Capital Level IV: Managing Profits, Cash and Risk Level III
November 14, 2013 November 21, 2013 January 7, 2014 January 9, 2014 January 14, 2014
Level IV
November 15, 2013 November 22, 2013 January 8, 2014 January 10, 2014 January 15, 2014
Location - click to register Billings, Montana Salem, Oregon Spokane, Washington* Benton City, Washington Nampa, Idaho
*Spokane Financial Workshops open to non-customers
Overview Northwest FCS’ advanced financial workshops are hands-on, case study-focused and discussion-based sessions for participants who have a strong understanding of financial statements and analysis. Participants may attend one or both of these interactive workshops. There are no prerequisites.
Level III: Managing Growth and Capital Focused on aligning your business strategy, vision and financial position, this workshop addresses two fundamental questions: 1) Liquidity – Does the business have minimum, adequate or excess liquidity? 2) Leverage – Does the business have maximum, sustainable or strategic leverage?
Key focus areas:
• • • • • • •
Growth and Rightsizing – Explore and apply nine fundamental strategic alternatives Investment Decisions – Understand earnings and o ptions for investing in the balance sheet Repayment Sources – Analyze risk and the business’ ability to meet upcoming obligations Cash Cycle – Learn about the cash cycle and its application to business strategy and financial management Liquidity Analysis – Learn and apply advanced liquidity concepts and management strategies Leverage Analysis – Learn and apply advanced leverage concepts to mitigate risk and achieve long-term success Strategic Decision-Making – Evaluate the impact of strategic business decisions
Level IV: Managing Profits, Cash and Risk Focused on key profit and efficiency drivers, this workshop addresses the following fundamental questions: 1) Cash – Do you have enough cash to operate your business? 2) Breakeven – What is your breakeven point?
Key focus areas:
• • • •
Statement of Cash Flow – Build and analyze this critically important and often ignored financial statement Cash Management – Assess the appropriate level of cash to maintain in a business Activity Ratios – Use activity ratios to measure and manage the cash cycle Breakeven – Learn and apply breakeven calculations to make operational and strategic decisions
Who Should Attend Managers, family members and employees with a strong foundation in financial statements and financial analysis, including a basic understanding of liquidity and leverage. Times (each day): 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Participants: 10 to 35 Fees: No charge – Lunch provided Attire: Business casual Supplies: Please bring a calculator for Level II
Questions: bmc@northwestfcs.com or call 866.552.9193
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Young and Beginning Producers Conference February 4-6, 2014 – Spokane, Washington - click to register Overview
We’ve designed the YB Conference exclusively for young, small, and beginning producers. Meet and learn from others who share an understanding of the rewards and challenges of getting started in business. Build skills to tackle entrepreneurial challenges, succession issues, manage work/life balance and grow a successful operation. Participants also learn from and share perspectives with one another. This fun and engaging program provides tools and knowledge to build a business that meets each individual’s definition of success, featuring a great line-up of experts, with sessions on: Mega Trends in Agriculture – Dr. Dave Kohl, Virginia Tech Learn to understand the world through economics, identifying factors that directly affect your business. Develop basic financial skills and decision-making strategies to ensure long-term, sustainable success and experience Dave’s famous Megatrends in Agriculture. Business Communications – Michael Stolp, Certified Family Business Advisor Explore individual communication styles through the DiSC behavioral assessment. This tool will help participants understand their own style and approach to communication. Learn to communicate effectively with family members and non-family members inside and outside the business. Family Business Basics – Dr. Deb Houden Learn the fundamentals of family business – how to navigate the challenges and opportunities all families face when answering questions about transitioning roles and assets from one generation to the next. Take home tools to start a constructive conversation that gets the ball rolling towards a successful transition. Personal Financial Management – Dr. Alex White, Virginia Tech Personal financial management is a critical element of everyone’s success. Discuss and learn about the family budget, managing personal debt, credit scores, savings, investing, insurance and college funds. Dr. White helps participants understand these issues and take control of their financial future.
Subjects Covered and Key Takeaways
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Getting Started – Prepare for success with unique insights about getting started in business Communication – Become a more effective communicator inside and outside the business Family Business – Gain insights on family business relationships, communications and succession Personal Finance – Learn strategies to balance and prioritize personal and business finances Economic Insights – Learn to apply economic lessons from the real world to your operation
Featured Dinner Speaker – “Summiting Mount Everest,” with Dr. Lance Fox, a technical service veterinarian for the dairy feed industry. Lance shares his experience and inspires audiences across the world to dare to dream and overcome life’s obstacles. Who Should Attend
AgVision customers who have not attended the YB Conference. Spouses and significant others welcome.
What Participants Say “My batteries were charged and I was reminded again to focus on the important things. All the speakers were great. The sessions were energizing, networking with folks in similar circumstances.”
Time: 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 4, 2014 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 6, 2014 Participants: 50 to 65 Fees: No charge – All meals provided Lodging compliments of Northwest FCS. Participants responsible for travel expenses. Attire: Business casual
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Registration and details: northwestfcs.com/register
Executive Producers Summit: Strategic Planning for Peak Performance February 5-7, 2014 – Spokane, Washington - click to register Overview
The Executive Producers Summit provides insights and perspectives on managing business in a dynamic, peer-oriented environment. Participants’ interests and questions drive the Summit’s roundtable discussions and actionable takeaway lessons from nationally recognized speakers and BMC facilitators. This year’s Summit will feature:
Strategic Planning Wayne Rivers: Co-Founder and President, Family Business Institute Long-term success in business requires a clearly defined plan that aligns owners and employees with a shared vision for the future. The strategic planning process does not need to be complex, but it should be comprehensive to make the most of your human, financial and natural resources. Through hands-on learning and application, you will leave the Summit with the tools, knowledge and processes to complete a strategic plan in your business. Dr. Dave Kohl: Megatrends in Agriculture Explore national and global agricultural trends that directly affect operations in the Northwest with one of the national leaders in agricultural economics. Dr. Kohl’s unique, straightforward style makes learning about the economy engaging and interesting. Dr. Ed Seifried: Interest Rates and Wall Street Economics Learn the latest economic trends affecting the future of agriculture in the United States and the world, focused on key indicators and applied information to help business leaders make smart, informed decisions. Also receive a copy of Dr. Seifried’s in-depth data sheet of current economic indicators.
Subjects Covered and Key Takeaways
• • • • •
Exclusive Speakers – Learn from national-level speakers on topics affecting agriculture today Strategic Planning – Learn how to build a strategic plan for your business Agriculture Trends – Stay ahead of the curve with insights from Dr. Dave Kohl Economic Trends – Gain insight on economic trends and forecasts from Dr. Ed Seifried Peer Applications – Identify management challenges and share real-world solutions in roundtable discussions
Featured Dinner Speaker – “Summiting Mount Everest,” with Dr. Lance Fox, a technical service veterinarian for the dairy feed industry. Lance shares his experience and inspires audiences across the world to dare to dream and overcome life’s obstacles. Who Should Attend
This seminar is open to all Northwest FCS customers. Attendees should be owners and/or key decision makers in the business who enjoy engaging discussions and professional networking. Participants share a progressive mindset and interest in lifelong learning from experts and one another.
What Participants Say
“I enjoyed this whole experience. Peer interaction was great and the speakers are top notch. All the information we learned will be taken back to our day-to-day operation. Well worth my time.”
Time: 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 5, 2014 to 11 a.m. Friday, February 7, 2014 Participants: 40 to 65 Summit Fees: No charge – All meals provided Participants responsible for lodging and travel expenses to Spokane. Attire: Business casual
Questions: bmc@northwestfcs.com or call 866.552.9193
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Family Business Succession Planning Seminar Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2014 – Coeur d’Alene, Idaho - click to register Overview The Succession Seminar is an interactive program featuring two of the nation’s top family business experts. The strategies and proven processes covered in the seminar help families transition ownership and management from one generation to the next. Northwest FCS recommends this seminar for all family members impacted by management succession and asset transfer to ensure all are informed and prepared for the process. Dr. Don Jonovic and Rich Thornton: Family Business Experts Led by two prominent family business experts, participants will learn to assess business and personal lifecycles while understanding generational differences and motivators to enhance the succession and estate planning process. This seminar provides a foundation and real-world steps to complete a successful business and asset transition while preserving family relationships.
Subjects Covered and Key Takeaways • • • • • • • • • •
Business and Family – Learn to recognize and balance individual, family and business needs Financial Implications – Understand the financial requirements and potential pitfalls surrounding succession Business Assessment – Identify your family business strengths, challenges and philosophies Communication – Review best practices in family communications Flexible Solutions – Identify succession alternatives for varying family and business needs Practical Approach – Explore proven, real-world steps in management succession and asset transition Legal Issues – Learn the legal considerations and best practices for succession and estate plans Buy/Sell Agreements – Identify options for funding and structuring buy/sell agreements Road Map for Success – Develop practical next steps in building succession plans Expert Perspective – Meet and learn from experts in succession planning and Northwest FCS’ staff
Who Should Attend All family members impacted by management succession and asset transition.
What Participants Say “We now have a great start going into our transition. This was the push we needed to communicate, ask the right questions and make decisions.” “This seminar has opened up dialogues and stimulated a lot of positive family communication. We can now all go forward with cooperation – not conflict or hesitation.”
Time: 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 30, 2014 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2014 Participants: 50 - 65 Fees: Individual Participants $450 – Additional Participants $350 All meals provided except dinner on Friday. Participants are responsible for lodging and travel expenses. Attire: Business casual
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Registration and details: northwestfcs.com/register
Webinars Leading experts host Northwest FCS’ free one-hour webinars. These dynamic, web-based programs provide the opportunity for real-time question and answer sessions from the comfort of your own computer. In the condensed webinar format, experts provide high-level, actionable information to help you make the right decisions in your business. All you need is a computer and an internet connection.
Dr. Dave Kohl – Ag Outlook September 30, 2013
Major shifts in global and domestic economics impact agricultural operations throughout the Northwest now more than ever. Economic mega trends are quickly dividing the winners and losers in the agricultural and rural landscape. Explore national and global agricultural trends that directly affect your operation.
Dr. Ed Seifried – Economic Outlook and Interest Rates Discussion October 25, 2013 & January 17, 2014
Join Wall Street economist, Dr. Ed Seifried, as he helps economics make sense for your business. These webinars focus on interpreting recent headlines with an eye on the economy’s past, present and future direction. Gain insight on interest rates, context for making business decisions and key information to help develop assumptions in budgets and business plans.
Dr. Dave Kohl – Practical Strategic Planning November 25, 2013
Strategic planning is critical to business success, but taking the first steps to develop a formal plan can be daunting. Dave Kohl shares how to kick-start the planning process and develop a strategic plan that works for you and is right-sized for your business.
Rich Thornton – Succession Planning Tools December 2, 2013
Managing asset transition and management succession are two top issues that determine success or failure for agricultural businesses. This webinar provides the nuts and bolts for a successful transfer of management responsibilities and assets to the next generation of leaders and owners in your business. Learn how to be a ‘cut above’ the competition by executing strategy and avoiding succession pitfalls.
Dr. Alex White – Personal Finance February 13, 2014
Personal financial management is a critical element of everyone’s success. Learn the fundamentals of budgeting, managing personal debt, credit scores, savings, investing, insurance, and college funds. Dr. White helps participants understand these issues and take control of their financial future.
Dr. Deb Houden – Family Business Basics February 25, 2014
Working in family business has rewards and challenges. Learn high-level strategies to communicate, work together and make decisions more effectively in your family business. Also gain insights and tools for building a shared vision for the future.
Who Should Attend Anyone interested in the topics above. Northwest FCS’ webinars are open to everyone. Times: Times vary – check northwestfcs.com/register for more details Fees: No charge
Questions: bmc@northwestfcs.com or call 866.552.9193
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One-On-One Strategic Planning and Facilitation Overview Northwest FCS’ Business Management Center offers custom facilitation and planning services to help families and businesses answer questions like, “How do we…”
• • • • • •
Build an onramp for successors? Design an estate plan that’s business smart and family friendly? Communicate in a way that inspires dialogue and allows for healthy conflict and resolution? Create clarity in our roles and responsibilities? Get the right people on our bus, and the wrong people off? Develop a shared vision and align our efforts?
Answering these questions is tough for any business and especially challenging for family businesses where colleagues are relatives. Facilitated planning can help, providing a constructive and safe setting to build consensus.
What we do:
What we don’t do:
We facilitate discussions that create solutions based on clients’ insights and our experience working with hundreds of other businesses.
We don’t provide technical solutions (we’re not attorneys or accountants) and we don’t tell participants what to do (we’re not advisors).
Customized Agenda We customize each session to meet your unique needs with a framework that builds a strong foundation before addressing key questions and hot button issues. Our focus on creating alignment between the business and people helps generate understanding and buy-in from everyone. A high-level agenda might include: Build the Foundation: -Discuss family business basics
-Establish effective communication -Learn skills for healthy decision-making and conflict resolution
Develop the Plan:
-Build a strategic plan for the business -Build a succession plan for people and roles -Build an estate plan for business and non-business assets
Address the Issues:
-Strategic problem solving to address key questions and hot button issues
Follow-Through:
-Develop goals and action items to define next steps and establish accountability
Outcomes Facilitated planning sessions lead to direct results and a solid plan for the future. Key outcomes include: -More effective communication -A shared foundation in family business basics -A common vision
-Clarity in roles, decision-making and chain of command -Answers to the ‘tough’ questions -A documented plan to move forward
The Details Length: Location: Fees:
Planning sessions typically run 2 days, but may vary depending on the group’s needs.
Flexible, to accommodate a productive group setting. Based on an hourly rate plus travel and meeting expenses.
To learn more, call or email the BMC at 866-552-9193 or bmc@northwestfcs.com.
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Registration and details: northwestfcs.com/register
One-On-One Strategic Planning and Facilitation Customer Comments Feedback from customers best illustrates the impact facilitation and planning can have. The following comments reflect results of the process for several customers: • “I left with an incredible sense of renewed vision and hope for our family, and for the tradition that is our farm.” • “I thought this was an awesome experience as a family and a business. Creating the plan to pursue our opportunities has provided a sense of teamwork and security.” • “This was fast moving and energetic, yet thorough. I appreciated a venue with a skilled facilitator to help us understand questions and issues we needed to explore and ways to break them down.” • “The session was structured, comfortable and complete. The topics covered built a foundation for the important, big questions. There weren’t any unorganized or unproductive conversations. It feels like we accomplished something real and validating.” • “I can’t believe that our journey of family succession started a year ago! Those first two days of meetings played a significant role in starting our succession process, but even more so, the take-aways helped us guide the process in a positive and successful manner. Our plan update was a wonderful review and reminder of the successes that we have had and I think it also gave us enthusiasm and momentum to move forward and further develop key areas.”
Meet the Facilitators We have two facilitators on staff, both with a passion for strategy and people. Each grew up in agriculture and their own family businesses. We select the facilitator that will best meet your specific needs. Michael Stolp Vice President, Market Research and Development Certified Family Business Advisor Michael’s enthusiasm and insight for business, strategy and family dynamics are well grounded in his family business background and work with hundreds of Northwest farms, ranches and agribusinesses. By participating in his family’s farm and ranch, three generations have formed Michael’s perspective and empathy for family business. Michael earned his master’s degree in agribusiness from Purdue University and worked for Cargill and Cenex/Land O’Lakes before joining Northwest FCS. His work with family businesses reflects his experience and unique background in customer and industry insights. Michael is a member of the American Society of Agricultural Consultants and the Family Firm Institute.
Carl Sohn Business Management Center Coordinator Family Business Facilitator Carl’s passion for business and strategy comes from his personal experience as a third generation owner in his family’s timber and ranching business based in Roseburg, Oregon. Carl lived the strategic planning process first-hand as his family tackled tough questions and developed a unified vision and plan for the future. Now, as a member of the Family Council, Carl stays involved in key decisions and participates in providing high-level direction to the board of directors. Carl earned his master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University, where he focused on the dynamics of family business and strategic planning. Carl is a member of the American Society of Agricultural Consultants and the Family Firm Institute.
For more information about Michael and Carl’s backgrounds, refer to the bios on page 14
Questions: bmc@northwestfcs.com or call 866.552.9193
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Business Management Center Faculty and Staff Northwest FCS Facilitators and Staff Michael Stolp – Michael earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from Washington State University and his master’s degree in agricultural economics from Purdue University. His agribusiness experience includes working with Cargill and Cenex/Land O’Lakes. Today, Michael is Northwest FCS’ Vice President of Market Research and Development. In this role, Michael leads Northwest FCS’ market research, Knowledge Center, Business Management Center and is a facilitator for the BMC. Michael is a member of the Family Firm Institute, a faculty member of The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers (TEPAP) and is a Certified Family Business Advisor. Michael grew up in Sprague, Washington, where his family owns a farm and ranch. Michael and his wife, Jeanine, have a daughter and live in Spokane, Washington. Carl Sohn – Carl received a bachelor’s degree in management and finance from Boston College and a master’s in organizational leadership and servant leadership from Gonzaga University. He is a member of the American Society for Agricultural Consultants. Carl began his Northwest FCS career in 2005 with the Capital Markets Group, where he was a Senior Credit Officer. In his current role as BMC Coordinator, Carl is responsible for customer education programs and is a facilitator for the BMC. Carl grew up in Roseburg, Oregon, where his family owns a third generation timberland company and ranch operation. Carl is a member of his family’s Family Council and a graduate of the Washington AgForestry Leadership Program. He and his wife Nicole, live in Spokane, Washington, where they enjoy cooking and food, spending time outdoors, fishing and travel. Linda Hendricksen – As Senior Vice President of Marketing, Linda currently oversees Northwest FCS’ marketing, communications, public relations, research, events and legislative activities and the company’s Business Management Center and Knowledge Center. She also facilitates planning sessions for employee teams and others. Linda graduated from Montana State University with a degree in business. She is also a partner in her family’s Montana wheat operation.
Heidi Whitman – Heidi earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern Washington University. In her current role as Event Coordinator, Heidi is responsible for the planning and execution of all corporate, internal training and Business Management Center events. Heidi grew up in Washtucna, Washington, where her family owns and operates a dry land wheat farm. Heidi and her husband, Greg, have two children and live in Cheney, Washington.
External Facilitators Dr. Deb Houden – Deb Houden, Ph.D, is the Director of the University of Wisconsin Family Business Center and a consultant with the Family Business Consulting Group. Dr. Houden helps families in business, concentrating on family communication, transition and next generation development. Deb has lectured in various courses at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, including Interpersonal Communication, Communication and Conflict Resolution, and Issues in Family Business Ownership at the Wisconsin School of Business. Dr. Don Jonovic – An advisor to business owners since 1973, Don focuses on family business leadership development, succession and ownership transition. His consulting practice has included industrial and agricultural clients throughout North America, and he serves on 15 private company boards. Don’s management column in Successful Farming reaches more than one million readers every month, and has been one of the most popular features in that magazine since inception of the column in 1984.
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Registration and details: northwestfcs.com/register
External Facilitators (Cont.) Dr. Dave Kohl – Dave is Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech. Dave currently energizes agricultural lenders, producers and business people with his keen insight into the agricultural industry gained through extensive travel, research and exposure during his career. He has traveled more than eight million miles, conducted more than 8,000 workshops and published more than 1,300 articles. Wayne Rivers – Wayne is the co-founder and president of The Family Business Institute, Inc., in Raleigh North Carolina. He also runs the Peer Excellence for Agricultural Knowledge™ program which helps farm CEOs make more money in less time with fewer headaches through a process of peer review and accountability. Wayne is the author of three books on family businesses and has written hundreds of articles. He has appeared on the Today Show, CNN, MSNBC and CNBC and is quoted in the Wall Street Journal and Business Week. Dr. Ed Seifried – Ed is Professor Emeritus of Economics and Business at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. He is also the Chief Economist for m.rae resources Inc., a community bank investment firm. Ed frequently appears as a guest speaker at regional and national conferences and has delivered over 2,000 presentations to various groups both in the United States and abroad. Ed has traveled extensively in the former Soviet Bloc countries where he served as an advisor and consultant to newly privatized commercial banks. Rich Thornton – The Firm Director of BOSS Implementation for Moss Adams LLP, Rich Thornton specializes in business ownership and estate transition planning. Rich’s experience in working with farm families and practical, easy-to-understand approach make him a leader in farm business asset transfer.
Dr. Alex White – Alex was raised on a small farm in northeastern Maryland. Alex has taught a wide variety of courses at Ohio State, NC State and Virginia Tech for the past 20 years. He has also served as an extension specialist in agribusiness management and personal financial management for Virginia Cooperative Extension. Currently, Alex is an adjunct professor of Dairy Science at Virginia Tech, as well as a financial advisor and business consultant.
Dinner Speaker: Dr. Lance Fox – Dr. Fox is a technical service veterinarian in the dairy feed industry. He is based in New London, Wisconsin, with his wife and colleague Dr. Katherine Fox and their two teenagers, Jordan and Bailee. On May 21, 2009 Lance fulfilled a 12-year dream by becoming one of less than 5,000 people in the world to stand on the world’s highest point, the summit of Mount Everest. Lance shares his experience and inspires audiences across the world to dare to dream and overcome life’s obstacles.
Questions: bmc@northwestfcs.com or call 866.552.9193
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Business Management Center Faculty and Staff Northwest FCS Learning Leaders Dennis Bigness – Dennis Bigness began his career with Northwest FCS more than 25 years ago and currently serves customers throughout Washington’s Columbia Basin and Yakima Valley as an Agribusiness Relationship Manager/Vice President. Dennis grew up on a cattle and timber ranch in Newport, Washington. He graduated from Washington State University in agricultural economics and animal science. Dennis is also a graduate of the Washington AgForestry Leadership program.
Valentin Celaya – Valentin Celaya began his career with Northwest FCS more than 15 years ago and currently serves customers throughout Idaho as an Agribusiness Relationship Manager/Vice President. Valentin grew up on his grandparents’ row crop farm in Gooding, Idaho, and graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics. He is also a graduate of the Western Ag Banking School and Leadership Idaho Agriculture.
John Gates – John has served Northwest FCS customers throughout central and eastern Montana for 29 years. John is a native Montanan, raised in central Montana near Lewistown. He was educated at Montana State University in Bozeman, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in range resource management and agricultural economics.
Wendy Knopp – Wendy began her career with Northwest FCS shortly after graduating from Gonzaga University with a master’s degree in administration and organizational leadership. As Vice President of Northwest FCS’ AgVision program she oversees programs that meet the unique needs of young, beginning and small producers.
Andrea Krahmer – Andrea Krahmer began her career with Northwest FCS 10 years ago and currently serves customers throughout northwest Oregon as a Relationship Manager/Assistant Vice President. Andrea grew up on a small, part-time farm in Banks, Oregon and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business management from Oregon State University. She, her husband and two kids live in Salem, Oregon on a small farm.
Paul Nelson – Paul has served Northwest FCS customers throughout Montana for 19 years and is currently Senior Vice President-Appraisal Services and Policy. Paul comes from a durum wheat and livestock operation in northwest North Dakota and has a B.S. degree in agricultural finance from North Dakota State University and a MBA from the University of Montana.
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Northwest FCS Learning Leaders (Cont.) Erien Preus – Erien Preus has worked for Northwest FCS for seven years, serving customers throughout southern Idaho as an Agribusiness Credit Officer/Assistant Vice President. Erien grew up on a cattle operation in White Salmon, Washington. She graduated from Washington State University in agribusiness and natural resources. Erien is also a graduate of the Leadership Idaho Agriculture program.
Herb Sanders – Herb has financed the agricultural and forest products industries for more than 30 years in various positions at Northwest FCS. He is currently an Agribusiness Relationship Manager/ Vice President. Herb holds a degree in agricultural engineering from Montana State University. He is also a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School.
BMC e-Newsletter BMC staff and faculty share insights throughout the year in our quarterly e-Newsletter that features articles and information on: • • • • • • • • •
Strategic planning Family business structures and communication Estate planning Management succession Financial management Risk management Economic trends Upcoming programs and webinars And much more…
Sign up to receive the quarterly e-Newsletter today at northwestfcs.com/resources
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