NAMA, now more than ever. (NAMA Leader's Message).

If there were ever a time for agrimarketers to join or renew their membership in NAMA, it is now. One of the greatest advantages of NAMA is networking and relationships. As companies find ways to curtail expenses, they may decide not to pay for memberships and meeting expenses of professional development organizations such as NAMA. While first reaction for the individual member might be to not incur that expense personally, I would invite people to rethink that notion. The reason is that when there is uncertainty in a person's career, that is the time one most needs the relationships that are developed by groups such as NAMA.

If you find the future of your job unsure, the safety net of NAMA relationships is one of the first places to turn for support. In encouraging individuals to continue their memberships, I'm not advocating that companies should not invest in professional associations. As a matter of fact, when companies decide not to cover membership expenses, in the long run they are affecting themselves by missing out on an excellent and affordable means of technical and professional training that they will eventually need to absorb at a higher cost. NAMA plans to do a better job of making that case to agribusiness companies.

In the mean time, keep in mind that the small, but important investment in NAMA pays off many-fold both now and down the road. Our "2004 by 2004" goal of growing our membership to 2,004 is within reach. The membership committee set that goal, not only for the health of NAMA as an organization, but also for the benefit of you personally as we see the direct benefits to you through NAMA networking and the safety net it provides. So when your renewal notice comes across your desk, please get it in right away.

By the way, lately I've come to realize the number of people who read Agri Marketing magazine, but who are not necessarily NAMA members (I'm reminded of it every time the ridiculous picture of me with my "summer" hair cut appears and people mention it to me!) If you are interested enough to page through Agri Marketing, you're probably someone who should be a NAMA member. If you are interested in more details on membership, please contact me at 800-577-4638 or [e-mail]. Thank you.