Co-Sponsored by the California Agricultural Leadership Program;  College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, UC Davis; and the International Agri-Center, Inc.

Fresno, Nov. 14 -- The second annual Women Leaders in Agriculture Conference is inspired by the desire of women to take on effective leadership roles in the food and fiber industries.  The conference provides female educational and networking opportunities that will help create dynamic leadership among this growing group of agricultural professionals. Sessions topics highlight leadership development and updates on current ag issues.

Conference attendees will include professionals who work in the food and fiber industries, own their own farms or other agricultural businesses and entities.

The conference will take place on Friday, January 19, 2001 at the International Agri-Center, 4450 So. Laspina St., Tulare, CA. Cost is $35 per ticket. For students or for lunch only, the cost is $20.

Seminar Schedule:

• 8:00-8:30 am:  Registration, Continental Breakfast, Networking
  
• 8:30-9:00 am:  Opening Speaker - Supervisor Judy Case, Fresno County Board of Supervisors
  
• 9:15-10:30 am:  Concurrent Session I:  
  Three perspectives on the future of agriculture in California
  - Dr. Steven Blank, Cooperative Extension Specialist & Assistant Vice Provost Academic Personnel, UC Davis
  - Dr. Charles Crabb, Dean of the College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico
  - Linda Manton, Regional Director, Central Valley Region, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
  
  Leadership Styles - "No Wonder I lead This Way" How to evaluate your leadership style and interact with those who have different leadership styles.
  - Tim La Salle, President and CEO California Agricultural Leadership Program
  
  Presentation Skills - "Targeting Your Message" How to develop and give a presentation that communicates your point and keeps your audience's attention
  - Sheree Davis, President, Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce

• 10:30-10:45 am: Break
  
• 10:45 am-12:00 noon: Concurrent Sessions II
  What is the Future of Agriculture in California
  Leadership Styles - "No Wonder I Lead This Way"
  Presentation Skills - "Targeting Your Message"

• 12:00-12:15 pm:  Break
  
• 12:15-1:45 pm:  Luncheon & Keynote Speaker:
  Introduction by:
  Chancellor Carol Tomlinson-Keasey, University of California, Merced
  Carol Whiteside, President, Great Valley Center

• 1:45-2:00 pm:  Wrap Up & Evaluations

Steering Committee for the 2nd annual Women Leaders in Agriculture Conference are:  Shelly Abajian, (Office of Senator Costa): Carol Chandler (CWA); Vanessa Arellano (Asst. Secretary CA Dept. of Food & Agriculture); Nettie Drake (B& N Enterprises); Gwen Huff (CAFF), Liz Hudson (Hudson Farms); Deborah Hurley (Office of Congressman Radanovich); Debbie Jacobsen (Fresno County Farm Bureau); Holly King (Great Valley Center); Jan Mendenhall (UC Merced); Sharon Partridge (COS); Sara Savary (Crop Care Associates, Inc.); Helen Sullivan (UC Merced); Sarah Woolf (Office of Congressman Dooley).

To register for the conference please click:  registration form. From there you may print the form to fill it out and return to the address provided.

For additional information please contact Helen Sullivan, Director, Division of Professional Studies, UC Merced, 559/241-7400.