Selection

Criteria
AgLEAD I
2010-2011

The AgLEAD program is designed for men and women in the early stages of their leadership
careers. However, everyone is encouraged to apply. Applicants must be residents of East
Tennessee and working in the agriculture-forest industry. Following is selection criteria:

• Applicant must be actively involved in farming, ranching or business closely related to

agriculture/forestry.

• Men and women are equally encouraged to participate.

• Candidates must document to the satisfaction of the selection committee that he/she will be able
to be away from the farm, ranch, business and/or home as required for full participation in the
program. A document is required stating that employer, partners or other persons with a vested
interest understand the time requirements for participation and support the applicant’s candidacy.

• The applicant must support and abide by all policies, rules and regulations of AgLEAD.

• Applicants will be reviewed for the following qualities:

Leadership Integrity Potential for Growth
Leadership Effectiveness Commitment to Participate
Analytical Skills Vocational Commitment
Communication Skills Overall Leadership Potential

• There are no specific education requirements.

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 Selection
Criteria
AgLEAD I
2010-2011

Participants

The Selection Committee shall select a maximum of 18 participants from a pool of qualified
applicants. Participants will be selected from across SE Tennessee, without regard to gender, color,
disability, religion, or ethnic origin.

Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be evaluated on the information obtained from
the application form and references.

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 EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILTIES OF
AgLEAD CLASS MEMBERS

Expectations
It is expected that AgLEAD class members will actively participate in all meetings and activities
with:

• An open and inquiring mind,

• a willingness to learn,
• a respect for opinions of those not in agreement with their own,
• a commitment to communicate class activities and experiences, and
• a commitment to greater service for the betterment of agriculture in
their own community, Tennessee and the United States.

A time commitment of approximately seven (7) days is required during the seven (7) month program
period. Leadership is a commitment. If you are to participate, you must fulfill the obligation.

Communication and personal skill development are important parts of the curriculum with the idea
that knowledge is good for the individual, only if it can be diplomatically shared with others.

Conduct
Those selected for AgLEAD are fortunate. Selection into the program automatically sets the
participants apart, placing them among a highly acclaimed group. Each class member has proven to
have leadership potential. Each is expected to conduct himself/herself as a responsible leader. Along
with the honor of being a member of AgLEAD, comes the responsibility to exemplify the utmost
personal and professional standards to themselves, their classmates, and the agricultural community.

Participation
Attendance Requirement: Missed seminars cost both the participant and the program. It is realized
that AgLEAD class members have responsibilities to their families, professions and organizations,
and sometimes conflicts occur and/or are unavoidable. AgLEAD class members will be responsible
for notifying a program representative before the seminar if they will not be present. Attendance at
all seminars is a priority concern of the AgLEAD Steering Committee. Assumed excused absences
might be:
• Family emergency
• Legitimate business emergency
• Illness
• Natural disaster
• Legal requirements

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It is expected that each Participant will attend every seminar in its entirety. Every effort should be
made to arrive on time for the seminars.

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 Expenses
Financial Obligation:

Each participant shall pay a fee of $150 to participate in AgLEAD and be responsible for his/her
travel expenses (excluding lodging and select sponsored meals on trips). This should be paid before,
or the day of, the first session.

Most of the cost of participant tuition is sponsored by sponsoring AgLEAD partners, however, this
$150 fee is required of every participant.

Dress Code
As with any business or distinguished program, participants should always present themselves in a
professional manner. Following are dress codes and their definition:

• Business Attire: Men – Coat and tie, either suit or sport coat and
slacks.
Women – Dress or business suit.

• Classroom Attire: Men - Shirt and tie. Sport coat not required.
Women – Dress, dress slacks.

• Business Casual: Men – Casual slacks or dress jean and collared

shirt.
No tee shirts.
Women – Casual slacks, skirts.

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 Check List

The following must be completely filled out and filed with the AgLEAD

office by the Wednesday, September 1, 2010 Deadline.

• Applicant Agreement

• Application – AgLEAD I

• Employer’s/Partner’s Statement

Return Application to: AgLEAD

9737 Cogdill Road, Suite 152C
Knoxville, TN 37932-3381

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 Selection
Criteria
AgLEAD I
2010-2011

The Application Agreement refers to pages 3 - 4 which outlines:

The Expectations and Responsibilities

Of AgLEAD Members

I have read, understand and agree to abide by these requirements.

Furthermore, I agree that once tuition fees have been paid, there is
no refund.

Signature Date

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 Selection
Criteria
AgLEAD I
20010-2011

You have been nominated to apply for the 2010 Class of AgLEAD. This puts you among a select
group of outstanding leaders across Southeast Tennessee.

Please use ink or type.

1. Personal Information

Name: Last First Middle

/
Name preferred on name tag Home County

Home Address: Street, P.O. Box City State Zip Code

Home Phone: (Area code) Business Phone Fax Number

Name of Company or Business Position or Title

Business Address: Street, P.O. Box City State Zip Code

Marital Status Name of Spouse

E-mail Address: Work Home

Name and Age of Children

Date of Birth

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Shirt Size (Polo) __

What forms of communication do you utilize? (please check all that apply)
Home Phone_____ Cell Phone_____ Text Message_____ Email_____ Facebook_____ Twitter_____

2. Education and Training

Provide information regarding your education, high school, college, graduate school or other pertinent education
(school/location, years attended, degree). List all schools attended. List the most recent first.

Describe any work related training:

3. Occupation Information
Current Occupation:

Company or farm/ranch name:

Position:

Commodities/products/services:

Agricultural Production Experience

List and describe your full-time and part-time production (farming, ranching, growing, managing) agricultural
experience (If none, please state). Include livestock, crops, location, size and related data.

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 Agribusiness Working Experience
List and describe any non-production or agribusiness related to agriculture (i.e., ag chemicals, ag education, ag sales,
etc.). List the most recent first.

4. Organization and Community Experience

Describe your volunteer, civic, community and church related activities outlining any leadership role in developing
and carrying out a specific program or project. (Note any special awards or recognition) Include specific examples
of your leadership experience, memberships and service:

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5. Personal Travel and Interests

6. Issues Section

Please discuss your concerns about any agricultural and/or community issues today and in
the future. (If you need more space you may use a separate sheet of paper – Be sure to put
“6. Issues Section” and your name at the top of the sheet and attach to application before
mailing)

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 Employer
Statement
AgLEAD I
2010-2011

Investment in agricultural leadership requires that many people become involved. Your
employee/partner has indicated an interest in the AgLEAD, thus committing himself/herself to
participation in four (4) training seminars and an overnight trip over a 3-month period. Attendance at
all seminars is crucial to the success of the educational experience. Please indicate your support and
commitment to this important program by answering yes and affixing your signature below. This
document will serve as approval for your employee/partner to become involved.

• Yes, I understand that

will be away from his/her position for four (4) seminars and two overnight trips
over a 6-month time period.

• Yes, he/she has my authorization to participate in the AgLEAD Program.

Employer’s/Partner’s Signature Date

Employer’s/Partner’s Name:

Title:

Business Address:

Phone Number:

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