FEATURE STORY
Virtual Breakfasts Highlight Ag Industry’s Commitment to Leadership BY LIZA ROBERTSON
AG LEADERSHIP ALUMNI VIRTUAL WORLD AG EXPO BREAKFAST
This year’s virtual breakfast on February 11 was attended by over 300 individuals who logged on to participate in a live virtual event featuring speaker and sports author Ross Bernstein, who presented his popular program “Wearing the C: Leadership Lessons from the Greatest Captains and Coaches in Sports.” The 27th annual event raised approximately $120,000 for the Ag Leadership Foundation and $2,000 for the AgVentures! Learning Center in Tulare. “We are proud of the World Ag Expo Breakfast committee and the great work they and their sponsors accomplished,” said CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson. “Their speaker, Ross Bernstein, was as entertaining and motivational as ever and the hospitality we received from everyone at Valley PBS was outstanding.” Each year, Ag Leadership alumni and members of the California ag industry look forward to the opportunity to come together during the World Ag Expo to share in camaraderie and to show support for developing leaders. As chairman of the virtual breakfast, Mark Krebsbach (48) acknowledged that even though this year’s event looked different, participants still showed their commitment to leadership development by coming together virtually in celebration of the agriculture industry. “This year’s event was not the kind of breakfast gathering we were used to, but the dedication shown to by our committee, sponsors and attendees, is inspiring,” said Krebsbach. “We are grateful for the continued support we have been shown and proud of our contributions to Ag Leadership.” Bernstein delivered an inspirational message about leadership in the agriculture industry, sharing well-known leadership principles and case studies from his many years covering sports. As part of his keynote address, Bernstein
Thank you to this year’s major sponsors!
Platinum Sponsor: The Zenith Agribusiness Solutions Media Sponsor: Valley PBS Gold Sponsors: Nationwide Agribusiness, State Fund Compensation Insurance Silver Sponsors: Travelers Agribusiness, Western Growers Bronze Sponsors: Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, Chubb Agribusiness, Gallagher, ICW Group Insurance Companies, RCIS
12 HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2021
Visit AgLeaders.org to watch recordings of the virtual breakfasts.
challenged participants to think about the differentiators that truly set them apart from everybody else. He also shared ideas to drive morale and generate momentum, including leading with respect and being compassionate. Bernstein’s presentation highlighted interviews with local ag leaders who shared some of the challenges they’ve faced since last year’s event. The speaker drew connections between leaders in the ag industry and those in the sports world. “There’s so much we can learn from sports that applies to business,” said Bernstein. “Be positive and think about how you’re going to affect change and what you’re gonna do—visualizing success is really what it’s all about.” The event also included comments from Krebsbach (48) and Ferguson. CALF board member Emily Rooney (39) served as emcee and moderator of the Q&A session. “This has been a year of many firsts,” said Rooney. “Who could have imagined just one year ago at the Farm Show we would be holding a virtual breakfast due to a global pandemic? The challenges we have faced as individuals and as the agricultural industry is evidence of our need for the California Ag Leadership Foundation. In order for our industry to survive, we must be resilient in our response to challenges like COVID-19. Thanks to the supporters of Ag Leadership, the future of this program is secure and available for future generations of agricultural leaders.” The history of the popular breakfast can be traced back to several Ag Leadership alumni who teamed up with the insurance industry to create a partnership to benefit the CALF. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $1 million for the CALF.
Thank you to the event committee! Amy Benton Mandy Critchley (37) Doug DeGroff (29) Cliff Dunbar Dwight Ferguson Dino Giacomazzi (36) Debbie Hurley (21) Nomie Kautz (30) Mark Krebsbach, 2021 Chair (48)
Ed Kuykendall (28) Fred Lagomarsino (19) Ian LeMay, 2022 Chair (48) Soapy Mulholland (25) Cindy Myers (22) Liza Robertson Judy Sparacino Ray Van Beek (37) Deanna van Klaveren (32)
