DYNAMIC LEADERS PREPARED AT 2000 CATTLEMEN'S LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

DENVER, COLO. (October 9, 2000) - Dozens of beef producers and industry executives increased their leadership skills through "The Leader Dynamic," the 2000 Cattlemen's Leadership Institute held in Denver, Colo., Sept. 21-22.  The Institute, conducted by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) in association with Purina Mills, Inc., provided tools the 45 volunteer and staff leaders can use as they develop and carry out programs on behalf of the beef industry.

For example, in "The Business of Associations" participants learned how good business and association management practices can increase the effectiveness of a beef industry organization.  Other workshops on encouraging active volunteers, leadership in the face of rapid change and blending compassion and determination to lead an organization to success were also held.

"Leadership development is extremely important, whether it's in business or associations," according to Dale Spencer, a beef producer from Brewster, Neb. and vice chairman of the Nebraska Beef Council.  "The knowledge I gained at CLI will help me both in my business an in my work with fellow cattlemen."

Wanda Blair, executive director of the South Dakota Stockgrowers, said the 2000 CLl was a great chance to get important tools for dealing with industry critics.  "It is refreshing to attend the CLI and have my self confidence in my leadership and my hope for a great industry renewed," Blair said.

This is the 11th year the Cattlemen's Leadership Institute has been held.  It regularly recruits the country's top leaders in leadership fields to conduct the workshops attended by participants. 

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Producer-directed and consumer-focused, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association is the  trade association of America’s cattle farmers and ranchers, and the marketing organization for the largest segment of the nation’s food and fiber industry.