The LIA Board of Trustees met last Thursday, August 6. At that time, the board voted to proceed with plans for LIA Class 41 this fall. While some things are uncertain and specific details unknown the board felt we could provide a program similar to what has been presented in past years.
 
For the past few weeks, we have been communicating with the venues in the four session locations. We have been discussing their current protocols and what they anticipate at the time we will be staying at their facility. As all of us are experiencing - this is a moving target and we have no crystal ball to tell us what to except in November - February.
 
We have also been monitoring what other states are doing with their leadership programs. Some states have cancelled all together, many of those programs are associated with their Land Grant Universities and they are falling under the COVID guidelines of the University. Some states have gone to a virtual platform, Idaho selected that this was not an option. Many states are planning to proceed with their regular program but with modifications. That is the model that Idaho selected. For instance, size of class, we most likely will not have a class of 30 to allow for social distancing protocols. I can assure you that we will adhere to all CDC, Federal, State and local authority guidelines as we proceed with Class 41.
 
The application deadline was August 1. This has been an unusual year to say the least and I did not strongly encourage some of those who called during July to apply - since there were so many unknowns. Individuals were asking about whether or not the class would happen which I could not give a final answer until the Trustees meeting on August 6. I know that some of you know individuals who were "sitting on the fence" trying to decide whether they should apply or not. I would like for you to contact these folks and encourage them to complete the application. We have extended the deadline for the applications until August 28 to allow a little more time for those that were unsure. The Selection Committee is scheduled to meet on September 11 and we need time to process the applications for their review.
 
A couple of additional things for your consideration:
 
DIRECTORY: We are coming down the homestretch on the 2020-2021 LIA Alumni Directory. We have done the initial proofing of the directory but still have time for you to submit any last minute changes that you might have for this edition. Please send those changes of contact information, employment or activities you are involved in to Gloria@amgidaho.com.
 
DUES: July 1 marked the start of the new fiscal year. If you have not paid your LIA Alumni dues we encourage you to do that now to continue your status as an alumni member. Dues can be paid online. We will be mailing seals and certificates after we have received the Alumni Directory from the printer.

Ag Marketing Specialist - Idaho Preferred
   
Salary - $49,400.00 Annually                                                          
 
Location - Boise
 
Position - Full Time
 
Department - Department of Agriculture
                  
Job Number 05887-1203
 
Closing 8/14/2020 11:59 PM (MT)
 
Description
"Serving consumers and agriculture by safeguarding the public, plants, animals and the environment through promotion, education and regulation."

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for an Agriculture Trade Specialist for Idaho Preferred in the Market Development division.

The mission of the division is to market and promote Idaho food, beverage and agriculture companies and products to increase sales and economic sustainability.  This position will focus on domestic marketing and the Idaho Preferred program to increase sales within Idaho and the United States.

Some events and programs are held during evenings and week-ends.  The position requires a flexible work schedule.  This position also requires travel throughout the state and may require some occasional travel in the U.S. 
 
Example of Duties
Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct overall program planning for domestic and Idaho Preferred initiatives to drive sales; develop annual calendar and plan of work, research trends and adapt activities to a respond to market forces, provide input on annual budget, monitor program expenses, and manage Advisory Board communications.
• Conduct program outreach, develop industry partnerships and relationships with Idaho producers, coordinate educational workshops and training for industry on market opportunities, recruit new members, communicate with industry through meetings, webinars and electronic media, provide buyer contacts and consult with producers on domestic marketing opportunities.
• Develop retail programs to drive sales of Idaho products in retail channels including signage, POS materials, product demonstrations when allowed, digital marketing and displays.   Connect Idaho producers with retail buyers; plan trade shows targeting the retail sector; extend in-store programming throughout the year.
• Develop direct to consumer promotions to increase awareness and sales of Idaho products including but not limited to website, cooking shows, farm tours, recipes, digital communication, on-farm events, consumer food/beverage events, and gift box sales; utilize social media communication tools and increase consumer engagement; prepare brochures and materials, promote direct marketing channels including farmers markets and agritourism operations (U-picks, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, etc).
• Promote Idaho products through HRI (Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional) channels; facilitate connections between Idaho producers and chefs, foodservice distributors and schools; plan trade shows targeting the HRI sector.
• Implement effective advertising and media campaigns, work with ad agency on paid digital, radio and print advertising, enhance consumer awareness through public relations and unpaid media coverage via news channels, food writers and bloggers.
• Develop grant proposals for funding, follow grant requirements, monitor budget and submit reports. 
• Conduct evaluations of each promotion to gauge effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• A cell phone with an Idaho area code, furnished by the employee, is required for this position and is eligible for reimbursement under the Cell Phone Reimbursement policy.

Minimum Qualification
Minimum Qualifications: These qualifications are mandatory requirements

• Good knowledge of business management.
• Some knowledge of marketing theory, systems and methods.
• Experience:
  • Planning, organizing, and implementing a marketing program;
  • Creating and organizing seminars and promotional events such as trade shows and trade missions;
  • Compiling and analyzing data to determine market feasibility;
  • Developing written reports; 
  • Preparing and giving public presentations.

Supplemental Information
Desirable Area: This qualification is not required; however, if you have the related background it may increase your score.

• Experience marketing food and agriculture products.

Temporary appointments from this announcement, serving at least one thousand forty (1,040) hours of continuous service, may be hired as an entrance probationary employee without further examination for the same classification and location as announced.

Candidates who reach the final hiring stage will be required to participate in a criminal background check.  Having a criminal record will not automatically eliminate applicants from consideration, but may be considered as part of the hiring process.


 
Thank you for your interest in the Department of Agriculture!

If you have questions,
please contact us at:
jobs@isda.idaho.gov or at (208) 332-8520
 
Hiring is done without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability. In addition, preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations. If you need special accommodations to satisfy testing requirements or for the recruiting process, please contact ISDA's HR Department at jobs@isda.idaho.gov or at (208) 332-8520.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the LIA Alumni LINK call today dealing with the subject of Liability Reform in Idaho. We appreciated the insights from Attorney Ken McClure and his work with the Idaho Liability Reform Coalition.
 
If you need to reach Ken, please email him at krm@givenspursley.com.  Here is the link for the recording of today's call: