Employee engagement was low in the company. In conjunction with the LINK employee resource groups and Inclusion for High Performance learning, we decided that external development, volunteer and engagement opportunities would help increase a sense of team and a sense of belonging.  

We renewed our focus on sponsoring programs dedicated to diversity and inclusion. And through these sponsorships we often have the opportunity to provide professional development opportunities to employees. This not only helps with continuing education, but it also creates company pride and loyalty.

We’re an active supporter of the Women in Agribusiness Summit. Employees attend to receive the latest information on trends, outlooks and innovations in agribusiness, along with participation in professional development seminars. Our company also supports Central Exchange, a women’s organization focused on empowering and connecting women across generations, promoting equity for women, building confidence and cultivating leaders. Each year we have female employees complete the Emerging Leaders program at Central Exchange to further develop leadership skills. We also sponsor the American Royal Leadership Summit each year. This program enables young professionals to learn and develop skills they can apply in their personal and professional lives.

Additionally, we support MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences). MANRRS promotes academic and professional advancement by empowering minorities and preparing them for careers to help change the face of agriculture.

Through these efforts we’re developing more female leaders in the organization and have recruited a diverse group of interns. Over the past three years, 15 employees have completed the Emerging Leaders program at Central Exchange and 12 employees have participated in the Leadership Summit at American Royal.   

Mary Frontczak, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary