President’s Journal
By Pamela Lucht
Watch out, my millennial is taking over! Wink, wink!
My husband Neal and I are in the beginning stages of turning over the business to our daughter Lauren. You would think that with only one child the process would be streamlined. I’ve always been a person to embrace new experiences but coming to grips with how quickly things move has been challenging for me lately.
For me, it has been critical to remain positive by asking myself not what is best for me now, but what is best for the future. How can we support and shape our daughter into the business partner that we need?
Neal and I agreed that investing in our daughter’s personal and professional development would be key, and Lauren graduated from the pioneer class of REAL Oregon on March 8.
REAL is a Resource Education and Agricultural Leadership program that promotes leadership and service to people in our agricultural and natural resource industries. During the five month program we have watched her step into new leadership roles in the company with confidence. It also kept her busy and slowed her down just a bit, for which Neal and I were grateful.
Investing in the future of Oregon Aglink is also something I am passionate about. We must embrace change to remain relevant and worthwhile to our membership.
A change in venue for Denim and Diamonds is one new thing in store this year, and the board is looking to add valuable services for members, such as social media support. Our Adopt a Farmer program is also aiming to expand its reach to our Eastern and Coastal regions of Oregon. Most importantly, I hope that you feel welcome and continue to share your ideas to shape Aglink into a valuable resource for its membership and the agricultural community.
It is a year for growth! With new Executive Director, Mallory Phelan, comes a new perspective and new energy, and I hope to bring a spirit of support and collaboration to the endeavor.
Stay tuned for an exciting year of innovation!