COLUMBUS- The Ohio AgriBusiness Association will select up to 30 promising leaders to participate in a
leadership enhancement program in early 2015. Knowing that half our workforce could retire in the next
15 years, Leaders Achieving Unexpected New Career Heights (LAUNCH) was designed to inspire confidence in
emerging leaders to help them achieve career growth and their organization’s strategic goals.
Earlier this year, 18 participants from 14 different organizations graduated from the second LAUNCH
class.
"The LAUNCH program made it possible to further my knowledge in the ag industry and allowed me to
network with a great group of people," said Alex Denman, Trupointe branch manager and 2014 LAUNCH
participant. "Staying in contact with fellow classmates from the LAUNCH program has enabled me to
continuously learn. The benefits from this program have made me a better co-worker, manager, and
leader."
"The recruitment and retention of exceptional employees is crucial to the future success of Ohio’s
agribusinesses," said Chris Henney, OABA president and CEO. "The LAUNCH program has seen
tremendous success in not only developing participants’ career skills, but also in adding value to their
sponsoring agribusinesses. It’s a win-win for everyone involved, including the state’s agriculture
industry."
The LAUNCH program will consist of two sessions: Jan. 6-8 and Feb. 17-19. The program will cover a
variety of topics, including personal insight and diversity in thinking styles, management skills and
decision making, communication and presentation skills.
To be considered, participants must be employed by a member company/organization of the Ohio AgriBusiness
Association, must be sponsored by their employer, and must submit an application and letter of
recommendation.
The application form is available at www.oaba.net. The deadline is Oct. 31.  
For more information and to see what 2014 participants are saying about LAUNCH, go to oaba.net/events or
contact Margo Long at 614-326-7520 or [email protected].