Craig Conroy, Sara Fuller and Alexandria Phelps honed their communication and leadership
skills by completing the Illinois Farm Bureau 2024 Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT)
program.
All members of McLean County Farm Bureau, Conroy, Fuller and Phelps completed the program in the eight week program with 16 other participants from across the state.
“I enjoyed the ALOT program as it gave me an opportunity to refocus on my own agriculture and leadership experiences,” says Conroy, who serves as Agribusiness
Product Manager at COUNTRY Financial. “I’ve enjoyed taking back what I’ve learned throughout the program and applying it in my daily life.”
The course featured experts in communication skills, political process, ag economics and
global issues. Participants also attended the Illinois Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Conference.
“ALOT has been a very educational program that helped me learn more about myself and the agriculture industry,” says Fuller, who is an Account Manager for Agsurance, LLC. “When getting accepted into ALOT, I had hoped to become more comfortable with
public speaking, and this program really gives you the chance to enhance your skills and learn how to lead more effectively.”
Participants had the opportunity to give presentations, complete a group project focused on current ag issues and testify at a mock city council meeting.
“ALOT was a truly outstanding program, and I am so thankful to have been a part of it,” Phelps, loan accountant at Compeer Financial. “The amount of personal and professional growth I experienced throughout and the skills I now have going forward is amazing!
ALOT helped me to build confidence I didn’t have before.”
The ALOT program is designed to grow capacity for future leadership responsibilities and
equip members to play an active role in being a voice for agriculture in local, state and national issues.
Now in its 45th year, ALOT has graduated more than 1,200 leaders since 1979.
The program is offered annually and rotates to various locations throughout the state. To learn more about ALOT and how to apply for next year, visit ilfb.org/alot
