In partnership with the International Agri-Center's Ag Warriors program, World Ag Expo exhibitors are enlisting the help of several veterans during the annual show, February 12-14 in Tulare, California. The Ag Warriors program, which made its debut at last year's World Ag Expo, assists veterans who are searching for careers in the agriculture industry by connecting them with educational and industry resources. In partnership with College of the Sequoias, the interns have attended communication, goal setting, interview and presentation workshops to prepare for their World Ag Expo internships.
"The training and skill building workshops offered to interns in the program have prepared them to work alongside our exhibitors at one of the largest agricultural expositions in the world," said Jerry Sinift, CEO, International Agri-Center. "Through this program, interns will get firsthand experience and a better understanding of opportunities in the agriculture industry." The ten interns, students enrolled at College of the Sequoias; California State University, Chico and Porterville College, have been matched to exhibiting companies who align with their interests, skills and experience. Among those companies is Ag Source Magazine who has exhibited at World Ag Expo for 18 years.
"Ag Source is very passionate about the Ag Warriors program and getting these military veterans involved in the ag world," said Eric Batti, Ag Source Magazine's sales manager. "This program is a perfect fit for us, and we hope to help introduce these well-trained men and women to different opportunities in the agriculture field." Other companies who will be hosting interns at World Ag Expo include: Western Executive Protection; Praxair; Grundfos; Kern Machinery; The Dig'n Dutchman; Bennett & Bennett Irrigation; J.D. Heiskell; Simplot and the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center. The interns will learn about career opportunities in the agriculture industry while shadowing sales teams, assisting with booth setup, giving site tours and helping to staff the exhibit space.
"We are really pleased that World Ag Expo exhibitors are taking advantage of the International Agri-Center's Ag Warrior's internship opportunities," said Sinift. "In partnership with our exhibitors, we are able to provide very valuable career building opportunities to veterans in our area." After carrying out their World Ag Expo internships, the participants will be encouraged to pursue full-time internships and employment opportunities while completing their degrees.
The Ag Warriors program will remain an important resource for participants by keeping them apprised of career opportunities and connecting them with interested employers. The Ag Warriors Benefit, held on the middle day of World Ag Expo, Wednesday, February 13, 2013, will raise funds to continue the work of the Ag Warriors program. The event will include a keynote address from Colonel Oliver L. North, a combat decorated Marine, New York Times best-selling author, small business founder, columnist and host of "War Stories" on the Fox News Channel. Tickets are on sale now at www.InternationalAgriCenter.org or by calling 866-973-9610. Click here to view a photo.
02.06.2013