Washington, DC, USA
February 13, 2013

The Rice Leadership Development Program’s graduating class of 2011-2013 took part last week in the USA Rice Federation’s Government Affairs Conference, Feb. 4-6, meeting with government, regulatory and rice industry officials.

Five rice producers and two industry representatives are in the graduating class. They are, rice producers: Marc Breckenridge, Durham, CA; Galen Franz, Victoria, TX; Scott Gairhan, Jonesboro, AR; Mark Pousson, Welsh, LA; Paul Zaunbrecher, Rayne, LA; and industry representatives, Park Eldridge, Lehman Elevator, Gillett, AR; and Brendan O’Donnell, Sun Valley Rice Company, Sacramento, CA.

While in Washington, the class met with U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies for updates on domestic programs and trade policy issues and attended Senate and House Agriculture Committee briefings. A meeting with officials at the American Bankers Association focused on the agricultural credit market.

The group’s itinerary also included a meeting with Ambassador Jose Ramon Cabanas of the Cuban Interest Section to discuss the potential for rice trade between the two countries.
The leadership class graduated during a special ceremony at the conference’s general session on Feb. 5, with The Rice Foundation Chairman Marvin Cochran and USA Rice Chairman Mark Denman taking part. Park Eldridge served as class spokesperson. He thanked John Deere Company, RiceTec, Inc. and American Commodity Company for sponsoring the leadership program and providing the opportunity for program participants to broaden their leadership skills.

The Rice Leadership Development Program gives young men and women a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. rice industry, with an emphasis on personal development and communication training. During a two-year period, class members attend four one-week sessions that are designed to strengthen their leadership skills. The leadership program is sponsored by John Deere Company, RiceTec Inc. and American Commodity Company through The Rice Foundation and managed by the USA Rice Federation.

Website: http://www.usarice.com

Published: February 13, 2013