Potato LEAF reaches fundraising goal and announces Institute Alumni Summit

January 07, 2021

Potato LEAF was launched in Las Vegas during Potato Expo 2020. The foundation aims to provide tools, training, and support necessary to develop growers and industry members as leaders. Regarding the inaugural fundraising goal, board member Gregg Halverson stated that the foundation challenged the industry with an ambitious goal.

Solid financial foundation

‘We couldn’t be more appreciative of the response, particularly during an incredibly uncertain year. We want to thank the growers, businesses, allied partners, and state and national potato organizations who stepped up to the plate during Potato LEAF’s first year. The solid financial foundation provided by these Founders Society members will ensure Potato LEAF will be able to meet its mission for years to come’, Halverson said. The Founders Society, created to acknowledge the inaugural contributors to the foundation, recognizes individuals and businesses making pledges and contributions of 10,000 dollar or more.

Institute Alumni Summit

Potato LEAF also announced the creation of a new program, designed to support graduates of its Potato Industry Leadership Institute. This Institute Alumni Summit, open to past graduates of the institute, will take place virtually from July 13-15, 2021. Over these three days, the summit will provide alumni with engaging training sessions and bring together graduates to network, refresh skills, and learn new techniques to better position themselves for success in the potato industry. ‘We’ve always seen the need for a continuing education program like this, and the creation of the Potato LEAF provided the platform to turn that vision into a reality,’ said board member Dan Moss. ‘Through the Institute Alumni Summit, we look forward to further investing in the emerging leaders within the U.S. potato industry.’

Potato Leaf at Potato Expo 2021

During Potato Expo 2021, held virtually from January 5-7, Potato LEAF hosted several live activities at their virtual booth. During a session called Achieving Success at a Virtual Event, Potato Expo 2021 attendees were taught quick tips on making the most of their virtual Potato Expo experience. During a virtual meet-up for Potato Industry Leadership Institute alumni, graduates came together to share their experiences of implementing what they learned through their participation in the leadership program. To learn more, visit pleaf.org.

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