An Impactful Opportunity

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson

All of us on the CALF staff team cannot wait for our Alumni Conference in Monterey this June. Held in conjunction with the 2024 International Leadership Alumni Conference (ILAC), which consists of alumni from various other ag leadership programs, it promises to provide an incredible opportunity for leadership learning, socializing and business networking. Our very dedicated Alumni Conference committee – staffed by numerous Ag Leadership alumni and foundation staff, and co-chaired by James Ewart (49) and Yvonne Sams (45) – has assembled an outstanding lineup of speakers and sessions that will be enlightening and impactful. Considering the location and expected mix of dynamic attendees, it will also be a lot of fun! 

You can learn more about the conference, and better yet register for it, by clicking on the links below. Pursuing new ways to have impact beyond the program is a strategic priority at Ag Leadership. This conference is one of many proofs of our commitment to doing that. Please join us! You can also scroll down to learn about other opportunities to gather and continue to grow in leadership in the coming months.



As always, contact me at dferguson@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030 with any comments or questions.

Class 54 Phase Two Applications Due Today

If you know someone who has an application in progress, please remind them that the phase two application deadline is 11:59 p.m. TODAY (May 15).

Six Weeks Away – Register Today!

We're excited to see you next month in Monterey! Don't miss out on this unique learning experience and enjoyable social event!

EVENT DETAILS

Click the event page button below for details about registration, schedule, speakers and lodging.

SPONSORSHIPS DUE MAY 31

Numerous opportunities are still available for all budgets! Visit the event page (then see sponsorship opportunities) or view some options in the giving section below.

VOLUNTEER

Please contact Jodi Litz at 831-585-1030 if you are interested in volunteering.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Scroll down to read about the California Country Ag Leaders Golf Tournament on June 25 in Salinas.

CALF Job Opportunity

Join our team! If you or someone you know may be interested in applying for the full-time alumni engagement manager position, click the button for the job description.

AC Directors: Nominations Open for Regions 3, 8 and 9

The Alumni Council (AC) is seeking nominations for directors for Regions 3, 8 and 9. This is an amazing leadership role through which you can be more engaged in alumni activities and support the foundation with your time and talent! If you or someone you know is interested, click the button below for the nomination form and job description.

NOMINATIONS DUE

Friday, May 31

QUESTIONS?

Abby Taylor-Silva (45) / 831-585-1030

I Grew with Ag Leadership

This month we feature Ron Caird (10) in our campaign! Click the buttons to read the testimonial from Ron and other featured alumni. The campaign is also featured on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Register by May 17!

DATE – TIME – LOCATION

May 23 / 6:30 - 9 p.m.

373 E. Aten Road, Imperial

If you haven't yet registered, please do so by Friday, May 17.

Region 11's second annual Cultivating the Future fundraiser dinner supports the development of future leaders from the desert region in California agriculture. It will be a wonderful evening with friends and delicious food!

California Country Ag Leaders Golf Tournament

DATE – LOCATION

June 25

The Club at Crazy Horse Ranch

475 San Juan Grade Rd., Salinas

Hit the links with us! We are excited about a fun day of golf at this beautiful 18-hole golf course in Monterey County. The tournament serves a dual purpose: Gather for an outing before the CALF Alumni Conference and honor alum Steve Dodge (49), who was full of energy and life – and championed the idea of a golf tournament in the region of CALF’s office.

Recent and Upcoming First Fridays

LEARNING MODULES

Part two of our learning modules is now available! The modules are a new educational experience for alumni as part of our Lifelong Leadership Learning opportunities. You can view the modules at any time. Part one (Uncovering Your Hidden Potential) is also available via the button below. Part three will be available on July 5.

JUNE 7

Save the date! Jenna Large, learning designer for Vivayic, will be our guest presenter. Look for a separate eblast soon with more information.

Leaders are Readers Book Club

The spring book club selection is "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things" by Adam Grant. The book

offers a new framework for raising aspirations and exceeding expectations. Grant weaves together evidence, insights and storytelling to show that growth is not about your genius but the character you develop. Grant explores how to build the character skills and motivational structures to realize our own potential, and how to design systems which create opportunities. For more information about the book club, contact Mia Mirassou at 831-585-1030.

Update Your Alumni Directory Listing

FIRST TIME on the alumni directory: Use your primary email and click on forgot password. You will receive an email to create your new password and receive your username. Check your spam folder if you don't see the email in your inbox.

RETURNING: To log in, use your username, NOT your email address. For assistance, contact Mia Mirassou / 831-585-1030.

Class Challenge Still Underway!

Mission 750 is “in orbit” – and your class can still take the lead!

To make giving even easier and give your class a “boost,” we have created the option to become a sustaining donor through recurring giving. It’s a great way to give and ANY amount is welcome! Signing up is easy, and you can cancel at any time. 

Further, the Alumni Conference is soon approaching and will provide myriad ways to contribute, such as:

• The Farmer’s Table – Celebration Dinner: The committee is seeking commodity donations for an unforgettable meal for our national and international guests.
• Gather your classmates to provide a sponsorship.
• Provide donations for the silent auction.
• Click here for more information.

This fun and friendly competition will soon end, and the victors will be announced at the Alumni Conference in June. So rally your class and challenge the current frontrunners, Classes 50 and 51, for the win!