ARA Concludes Annual Conference and Expo
On Dec. 1, the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) concluded its annual Conference & Expo with a keynote speaker, a panel of ag retail executives and an off-site tour of the USS Midway.
On Thursday morning, 2022-2023 ARA Board Chair Ian McGregor with The McGregor Company delivered his Chairman’s Report before recognizing the outgoing and incoming members of ARA’s Board of Directors.
Keynote speaker Ken Zuckerberg, agribusiness analyst with CoBank, shared his message about the Agribusiness Industry of the Future.
“Ken’s message should act as a challenge for ag retailers to start experimenting with some of the out-of-the-box concepts that will likely be significant parts of their business in 5 or 10 years,” says ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock. “He offered a unique and useful perspective on agricultural trends like electric and autonomous vehicles, sustainability, and changes in business models.”
The ag retail executives panel shared practical approaches to relieve pressure when it comes to leadership development, risk management and more. Panelists included Gary Farrell, Ag Enterprise Supply Inc.; Jeffrey Troike, Ceres Solutions Cooperative; Troy Bolt, J.R. Simplot Company; Tom Ryan, Truterra; and was moderated by ARA’s Daren Coppock.
“The candid, real-life experiences shared by these ag retail executives was an incredible capstone to our week together at the ARA Conference,” says McGregor. “So many of us in the audience are facing difficulties in succession planning, developing backup plans for supply chain mishaps, and staying in front of the ever-more-sophisticated customers. The stories shared today will help others address the top issues facing ag retail.”
To wrap up the closing general session, retired Naval Aviator Jim Horsley shared first-hand accounts from his time flying Vietnam combat missions from the USS Midway and his time as a Navy Blue Angel. Following the session, some participants took part in a docent-led tour of the USS Midway along with Horsley.
