All In! Reflections on the Communication Excellence Seminar

Written by Andy Vigna, Class of 2027

As I prepared for the four-hour drive to Carbondale, I could not shake the nagging feeling that I’m too busy at work and home to fully engage in this week’s seminar.  Doubts crept in, making me wonder if I had overcommitted myself.  However, by the end of the seminar, my only regret was that our time together had concluded.  I left for home on Friday with a renewed commitment to the program and a firm belief that I am All In. 

The first day was packed full, beginning with a visit to the SIU Gower Translational Research Center, Flamm Orchards and Alto Vineyards.  At each stop, we heard from local leaders who shared their stories.  What struck me most was their mutual belief that their businesses in the region thrive when they work together.  Their stories inspired me to reconsider how I can partner with others to strengthen and lead efforts in my community.  The folks we met were All In on working together to make their region stronger. 

During our stop at Flamm Orchards, 6^th generation farmers Austin and Parker Flamm gave us a tour of their operation and engaged in a very candid conversation about the opportunities and challenges they face on the farm and in the media.  Their experiences with major media outlets laid a solid foundation for our focus on communication excellence the following day. 

The second day revolved around the theme of Communication Excellence, encapsulated perfectly by the quote, “To communicate is the beginning of understanding. When we don’t communicate, we leave everything to uncertainty.”  Our discussions, led by experts in the field, covered topics such as executive presence, the power of connections and crisis communication.  One of the most impactful exercises involved conducting mock interviews, which were recorded for feedback.  This experience pushed us out of our comfort zones, emphasizing the importance of intentional communication.  My key takeaway was clear: if we are not All In on our communication, someone else will tell our story.  

Hosting us for dinner in the evening was Tom Welge, CEO, Gilster-Mary Lee.  Tom shared a couple of stories that underscored the importance of two critical values (1) always answer the phone and (2) take care of even the smallest customer.  In their case, that small customer evolved into the Chick-fil-A we all know today.  The following day, Tom and his team led us on an insightful tour of their manufacturing plant in Steeleville, Illinois, providing a fascinating glimpse into food production that I had never encountered before. 

Reflecting on the seminar, I can confidently say that I’m All In on the Illinois Ag Leadership Program.  I know the team at IALF, the alumni and the partners that support the program are All In as well.  As I wrap up my reflections, here are a few additional items to leave you with: 

• The alumni who generously take the time to join our cohort and share your perspective add value to the seminar.  Thank you, it’s greatly appreciated. 

• Incredibly, one prospective member drove 270 miles each way to attend the Southern IL social to learn more about the program!  That’s a testament to the commitment of everyone involved. 

• The IALF team consistently brings in top industry experts, making each session an incredible learning opportunity. 

• Lastly, if you ever have a chance to meet Craig Abel, class of 2010, ask him the story of how his family settled in the Ridgway, IL area.  You won’t regret it.