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It’s about who you know, not what you know – at least to an extent. 

To build a stronger industry and facilitate networking, the Minnesota Crop Production Retailers (MCPR) is hosting special interest groups (SIG) during the 2024 CPM Short Course and MCPR Trade Show.  

“The real value of any of these ag conferences is the networking and so we’re trying to create some additional networking opportunities,” MCPR Executive Director Lee Helgen said.  

The purpose of SIGs is to allow people to connect with colleagues from different agriculture retailers and share experiences. With four SIGs to select from – Women in Ag, Emerging Leaders, Sales Agronomists and Conservation Programs – there is an option for everyone. And MCPR is open to additional SIG topics; if you have topic suggestions, please contact Helgen at lee@mcpr-cca.org. Each SIG will be led by an experienced professional, who will facilitate conversation and connections.  

“We have seasoned leaders who are willing to be mentors and build relationships, helping interested parties connect with each other,” Helgen said.  

MCPR also aims to create opportunities for younger, early-career professionals to connect with experienced colleagues. 

“We’re trying to build a crop of young leaders,” Helgen said. “This peer-to-peer learning can be extremely valuable and could lead to developing a mentor-mentee relationship.” 

To participate in a SIG, you must be registered for the 2024 CPM Short Course and MCPR Trade Show. Once you’re registered, you will be sent a link to sign up for a SIG.