The Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) provides tools to help younger growers and industry members develop as leaders and motivate them to commit their time and energy to the betterment of the U.S. potato industry. This year, the Leadership Institute program will take place February 17-25 in Grand Forks, North Dakota and Washington, D.C and will be hosted by the Northern Plains Potato growers Association.
The Leadership Institute is an eight-day program that provides an overview of the U.S. potato industry, the challenges and issues beyond the production sector, and the roles of the industry's state and national organizations in maintaining a positive business climate for potato growers.
This Leadership Institute takes participants to a growing region to conduct in-depth discussions with upper management on key industry issues, and then concludes in Washington, D.C., for an overview of public policy issues and lobbying training.
Institute graduates are one of the U.S. potato industry's greatest assets. Participants develop a broad understanding of the industry and a common bond that is envisioned to be a wellspring of leadership for the industry. Many important and complex decisions lie ahead for the industry. By creating this leadership base today, the industry is investing wisely in its future.
The Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) class of 2015 included twenty-seven potato growers and industry representatives. The annual program is administered by NPC and the U.S. Potato Board (USPB) and identifies and trains the next generation of industry leaders.
