In these challenging economic times, it is more important than ever to make the most of professional development opportunities to grow your business. Whether you’re a grower, retailer, wholesaler or Choose & Cut member, you’ll find speakers and sessions at the 2009 NCTA Convention tailored to your business needs.

The following sessions are made possible through a grant from USDA's Risk Management Agency. RMA's mission is to promote, support and regulate sound risk management solutions to preserve and strengthen the economic stability of America's agricultural producers. Click here for a complete program schedule.

Tom Shay, Profits+Plus
Tom Shay's experiences as a fourth-generation merchant provide him with the knowledge and background to present tried and proven ideas to assist owners, managers, and staff with the day to day operation of their business. In addition to providing proven business building ideas through his writings in over 60 trade publications and presentations around the world, Tom has authored a series of management books.

What Others Had to Say About Tom:
"His insightful stories and advice made the presentations come alive. He truly wants to ensure his audience learns." - Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association

"Tom's message did not fall on deaf ears. He struck a cord with many of our member stores that caused them to arrive back at work and begin implementing many of his ideas." - Tennessee Farmers Cooperative

What To Expect at the NCTA Convention:
In his sessions, Tom will present tips and ideas for helping your business to adapt and survive in this challenging economic environment. He will present two separate sessions, so everyone can have a chance to experience his powerful presentations.

Jane Eckert, Eckert AgriMarketing
Jane Eckert and her family created one of the most successful tourism farms in North America, and today, Jane helps members of the travel and agriculture industries tap into this fertile agritourism market. In 2001, Jane created Eckert AgriMarketing, www.eckertagrimarketing.com, offering a variety of services to the tourism industry and agricultural operations. Jane has been featured in USA Today, Time and This Week in Agribusiness on RFD-TV. In 2008, she was elected to the Hall of Fame for the North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association.

What Others Had to Say About Jane:
"Any farmer who wants to have a future needs to hear Jane! Top notch!" - Thomas Kumpf, Tom's 4 Season Farm

"Bar none, Jane is an expert in the field. She is knowledgeable, eloquent but most humble!" - Kay Hollabaugh, NFDMA

What To Expect at the NCTA Convention:
These days, e-mail and Web sites aren't just important - they are mandatory tools for a successful farm marketer. In the first session, Jane will share what she's learned from studying literally hundreds of farm Web sites and show you how to create a user-friendly home page. In the second session, you'll learn how to stay in touch with your best customers through an effective e-newsletter campaign that is guaranteed to grow your business. Jane will also have an exhibit booth in the trade show to provide attendees more insight into her successful strategies.

Steve Bohr, Farm Financial Strategies

Steven Bohr started his 14-year career in financial services with First Financial Center in 1992. In 1994, he started Farm Financial Strategies Inc., which now has 20 full-time representatives and serves more than 2,500 clients in seven states. While saving estate shrinkage is the company's mission, keeping countless numbers of farms in the family has been the driving force behind its day-to-day operations. Steve is past president of the Cedar Rapids Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and still remains active on the family farm in southeast Iowa.

What Others Had to Say About Steve:
"One of the most outstanding presentations I have ever heard!" - 2008 NCTA Convention survey

"Very helpful - continue this type of session to keep us up to date on estate changes." - 2008 NCTA Convention survey

What To Expect at the NCTA Convention:
Back by popular demand! Steve will be on hand for a two-part session designed to answer all your questions about farm and estate planning. With years of experience counseling family farms, Steve will discuss tax, financial and risk management strategies to ensure you aren't taken by surprise.

For more information on this year's program schedule, click here.