Press Release: January 1, 2017, Ithaca NY

The Empire State Food and Agricultural Leadership Institute, also known as “LEAD New York”, is now accepting applications for its newest cohort, class 17. Invitations have been sent out to an extensive prospect list, and LEAD is inviting anyone interested in the program to apply. To maximize the networking opportunity and learning experience, we look for candidates from a wide range of interests and background areas. Applications for this competitive and well-respected program are due by March 1 st , 2017.

LEADNY is a leadership development program for adult professionals in the food, agricultural and natural resource industries of the Northeast. Participants meet monthly from October through April in each year of the program. In the first year, meetings are held at different locations throughout New York State, and the 25 days of training focus largely on self-awareness and leadership skill development. Individuals that successfully complete year one will receive a certificate of completion for the “Leadership Fundamentals” portion of our program, and will be well-positioned to serve in a variety of local leadership roles. At the end of the first year, participants reapply for the second year of the program, which will entail 30 days of commitment and involve more out-of- state and international travel, including a 2-week study tour. Individuals successfully completing the second year of the program will have the distinction of being known as “LEAD Fellows”.

This exciting program has had considerable influence on its participants and the businesses and organizations they lead. One recent graduate said: “LEAD has had a more significant impact on how I run my farm than my four-year college degree in agriculture.” LEAD NY graduates hold prominent leadership positions in New York State. It would be difficult to look at the leadership of virtually any food or agricultural organization and not see at least a few LEAD alumni in leadership positions. Many of the skills developed in our program are precisely the skills leaders need to fulfill their responsibilities effectively, and the professional networks that are built are an asset that alumni benefit from for years. So, LEAD may just be the BEST professional development opportunity available for upcoming leaders!

For more information please contact Larry Van De Valk, Executive Director, LEAD NY Program, 275B Warren Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 (607) 255 – 7907, [email protected]. Applications are currently available on our website at www.leadny.org.