Nineteen potato growers and industry representatives from across the United States formed the Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) Class of 2008, training designed to identify, develop and cultivate new leaders within the potato industry. From February 19 through 28, participants sharpened their skills in the areas of leadership development, public policy, marketing, trade, team building, public communication, presentation skills and more.
Participants are selected through state organization nominations and a committee facilitated by the National Potato Council (NPC) and the United States Potato Board (USPB), joint coordinators of the program. The Institute is made possible each year through a major sponsorship from Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., and this year Lamb Weston and Basic American Foods made valuable sponsorship contributions to the programs, as well.