2019 got off to a RUNNING start…. geesh. As the year continues to zoom by, I am wearing out the lead on pencils scheduling meeting after meeting.

As January comes to a halting stop, I am so excited for the opportunities awaiting me in the next 3 months. The journey begins next week with the Southern Rocky Mountain Ag Conference. Growing up “in” the industry, I have attended this meeting a few times, but this year I will be apart of the show! Every year CPAC has a booth were growers and other industry personnel vote for the upcoming board members and this year, I get to assist in holding down the fort there.

February is full of new experiences! Toward the end of February, I get to ship out for the Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI). PILI is a national conference that is held annually for Potato Industry personnel (duh…. PILI?). This conference kicks off in Portland, Oregon where we will spend a few days touring and learning, before we travel to Washington D.C.. When we arrive in DC, we will have learning sessions for two-three days, where we learn about the industries issues, how we can help and prepare for a day on Capitol Hill. As I gear up for this journey, I cannot help but be overwhelmed with nerves, excitement and gratitude. (I have begun packing my bags for this trip approximately 3 times…. I have nothing to wear; of course..).

March and April are already piling up with meetings– but I promise they will not be boring destinations and I am excited to learn!

As I reflect on my short time with the Potato Committee, I am in awe of how many opportunities I have (already) had! I never fully understood the “Do what you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.” quote, until now. I LOVE what I do, and I LOVE the industry I work for! (Take this as a simple reminder to never settle; true happiness is SO worth it, guys!!)

Chat soon,

Jess

P.S. I wrote my first Block Grant Concept Proposal for CPAC this month… fingers-crossed that it advances to Round 2.