The development of these skills clearly will help these students and young professionals as they build successful agri-marketing careers. And any success they experience, will obviously benefit the industry as a whole.

ABEF also recognizes the importance of providing similar opportunities for all agri-business professionals - from recent college graduates to the most seasoned veteran.

As members of the agri-business industry, we are more than just professional peers. We share a fellowship and ABEF extends this fellowship to the young people planning to enter our industry.

Beyond Classroom Theory…
A college degree is a great start to building an agri-business career, but it's just a solid foundation. Today's college graduates need more than a diploma to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and abilities to potential employers.

Through the NAMA Student Careers Program, ABEF provides students with the opportunities to apply text book lessons to real world situations. Through programs like the marketing competition, NAMA challenges these career-track minded young people and gives them a taste of the real life decision-making process. Student NAMA chapters provide many chances for students to serve in leadership roles, build valuable communication skills and gain confidence in their ability to make decisions.

For many student members, their association with NAMA goes beyond college. Many continue their participation on the professional level, helping their peers as well as hundreds of students involved in NAMA at the college level every year.

How We Nurture…
ABEF has endorsed a wide array of programs and activities geared at fostering the careers of agri-marketing students. Each program helps meet the very particular needs of today's college students.

Scholarships. Through NAMA, ABEF awards over $10,000 in scholarships each year. However, this amount merely scratches the surface of the need for financial help to deserving college students pursuing careers in agribusiness. The Fergie Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to significantly increase the number and amount of scholarships offered each year. This endowment fund, named after long-time NAMA student chapter nurturer R.C. "Fergie" Ferguson, will provide a significant sustained source of scholarships for the future.

Student Marketing Competition. This annual competition is a reality "practice run" for hundreds of agri-marketing college students. Each year at the Agri-Marketing Conference & Trade Show, marketing teams from nearly all of the 35 college NAMA chapters enter this contest. Students prepare for months, honing their critical thinking skills and applying classroom theory to real industry situations.

Students are provided a situation analysis, written by NAMA members, and asked to develop a complete marketing communications plan from product pricing to distribution. Winning plans utilize a mix of creativity and solid strategic thought.

Student Leadership Training. Every year NAMA provides leadership materials as well as seminar opportunities for members of student NAMA chapters. This training is designed to help students lead their chapters more efficiently and effectively, but could easily be applied to their professional careers.

Internships. Practical work experience gained through internships is nearly as valuable as knowledge learned in the college classroom. Under the guidance of NAMA professionals, these interns start to develop their own working styles and gain workplace confidence. They also gain a special appreciation for NAMA and what it takes to run a national organization.

ABEF also helps coordinate an intern search for any interested agri-marketing organization or business.

How We Work…
The ABEF is managed by a Board of Trustees and an Operating Committee of industry volunteers. The executive vice president of NAMA also serves as the president of the ABEF. This provides a well coordinated relationship between ABEF and NAMA.

Nearly all of the funds donated to ABEF go entirely toward the student programs. The Board of Trustees, Operating Committee and other volunteer leaders are not provided a stipend for their travel or their service. Their activities are supported through their employers. ABEF has no employees and is managed through services provided by the NAMA staff. In return NAMA receives a modest administrative fee, which doesn't fully cover the actual staff, equipment and office support provided by NAMA.

How You Can Help ABEF…
From volunteerism to financial contributions, there are many ways individuals and companies can help us as we continue to nurture the young students preparing to enter our profession.

While most contributions are made with cash, ABEF can receive stock transfers and can help you include ABEF in your estate planning if you wish.

Please look over the enclosed information and provide whatever financial support you can.

How To Contact Us…
Agri-Business Educational Foundation
11020 King Street, Suite 205
Overland Park, KS 66210

(913) 491-6500
Fax (913) 491-6502

E-mail: eldonw@nama.org