When it comes to crises, communication with stakeholders might not be the first thing you think of. In fact, it might be one of the last things you think of!
When crises hit a business or farm, it’s important to know what communication plan you have in place and to ensure that all employees have a unified message to share. That’s difficult, so it’s important to have a crisis communication plan in place prior to a crisis hitting.
On June 1, Seed Speaks is bringing in three panelists who can help us understand why crisis communication is important to prepare for. Joining us are:
Jim Schweigert, president of Gro Alliance, is a third-generation seedsman, he grew up in the family seed business and was exposed to industry issues at an early age. He earned a bachelor of arts in public relations from the University of Minnesota and worked for corporate public relations firms in Minneapolis, Chicago and Atlanta before joining the family business full time in 2003. He has since been active in the American Seed Trade Association, the Independent Professional Seed Association and earned his master’s in seed technology and business from Iowa State University.
Chris Cornelius, executive assistant of Cornelius Seed and president of the Independent Professional Seed Association, is a native Iowan. Cornelius grew up on a diversified farm in Guttenberg, Iowa. She earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism from Iowa State in 1983. Alongside her husband, Chuck, and their two sons, Will and James, she co-owns and manages her family’s independent, fifth generation seed business. The business celebrated 85 years of success in 2020. She’s also an active partner in their farming entity, Cornelius Land & Cattle.
Julie Smith is a research associate professor in the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Vermont, and received her bachelor of science., doctor of veterinary medicine, and PhD from Cornell University. Originally from the New York City suburbs, she headed off to the agriculture school at Cornell and never looked back. She’s married to a Vermont dairyman and has a tractor-loving son. Smith has been with UVM since 2002 and has applied her veterinary background to programs in the areas of herd health, calf and heifer management, and agricultural emergency management. She has conducted trainings for extension educators, livestock producers, and community members on the risks posed by a range of animal diseases, whether they already exist in the United States, exist outside of the U.S., or pose a risk to both animal and human health. In all cases, she emphasizes the importance of awareness and prevention.
Make sure to tune in live June 1 at 12:00 CDT on our YouTube link or visit Seed World’s Facebook page.
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