Emerging Professionals

The agribusiness workforce is rapidly evolving, and the need for strong, emerging leaders in our companies has reached a critical level. In 2014, the Agribusiness Council of Indiana (ACI) recognized this challenge and offered its members a robust leadership development program – the Emerging Professionals Leadership Program – to help continue to grow a leadership pipeline and ensure a strong future for Indiana's agribusinesses. 

ACI is seeking 25 aspiring leaders from across our membership to participate in the 2024 Emerging Professionals Leadership Program class! The program will provide participants with an in-depth view of Indiana’s agribusiness community, an opportunity to hear from and meet key leaders across the sector, and a year-long focus on leadership development. We are looking for applicants who are interested in:

• Increasing your understanding and knowledge of Indiana agribusiness and the programs and opportunities offered by ACI
• Increasing your understanding of the state and federal legislative process
• Increasing your understanding and awareness of the various state and federal agencies that provide oversight of the agribusiness industry in Indiana
• Increasing your leadership and communication skills through professional leadership development
• Becoming a voice for agriculture through involvement in ACI, boards of directors, political campaigns or holding of public office

Here is what you will get to experience:

• A Statehouse Day, where you'll interact with your state and local legislators.
• Visits to Indiana agribusinesses representing the feed, seed, grain, plant food and agricultural chemical industries.
• A Washington, D.C., fly-in to meet the Indiana delegation and leaders from national agribusiness membership organizations.
• And so much more!

2025 Commitments

Emerging Leaders will be required to make an ACI pledge for the year following their participation. Participants can choose one from the following list and will be asked to pledge once they have been accepted to the program.

• Volunteer at or attend at least one ACI event
• Provide two connections for potential ACI membership
• Secure two applicants for 2025 EPLP class.

Application Requirements
Registration for this program does require the completion of a modest application process. Applications for the 2024 class closed on November 3. 

• Applicants must work for a member organization/company of ACI.
• Emerging leaders will need to talk with their supervisor and/or company leadership to determine if the interested individual has approval to commit to the program. 
  
• Individuals must fully complete an official application, which includes one letter of recommendation.
• Applicants and their supervisors and/or company leadership must sign a letter of commitment to the scheduled sessions and program fees ($3950).