The 2015 PDPW Managers Academy for Dairy ProfessionalsTM will explore the secrets of hiring well and sustaining high-performance teams, January 13-15 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Developed by Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW), Managers Academy for Dairy Professionals is an executive education program developed for CEOs who are dairy owners or managers, as well as executive-level marketers, processors, or distributors in the dairy industry. Each year, Managers Academy combines interactive group training with high-level tours so that dairy professionals can explore and then integrate the best practices of successful businesses beyond the dairy industry.

Day One of 2015 PDPW Managers Academy will feature business leader and author Mel Kleiman leading the interactive session, "Hire Right." Because the hiring of great people is vital to every organization's success, Kleiman will discuss ways to increase the flow of high-quality job applicants as well as identify those with the highest potential for success. Kleiman is president of Humetrics, a leading provider of pre-employment attitude assessments, training and resources for recruiting employees.

Day Two will feature two executive-level tours, offering question-and-answer time with the owners of these exemplary businesses in the Carolina region:

• Atlantic Caviar and Sturgeon Company. Attendees will learn how state-of-the-art aquaculture systems maintain exceptional water quality for this nursery-to-adult production facility.
  
• Porter Farms. This diversified family farm is a 2,200 sow farrow-to-wean farm for Murphy Brown, grows layers and pullets for Tyson Foods, maintains a 400-head cow-calf operation, and hosts weddings and other events as part of their agri-tourism venture. This farm has been decorated with awards from the companies they supply and their community. Attendees will learn how they stay diversified and maintain high standards with regard to environmental practices.

Day Two will culminate with a visit to Charlotte Motor Speedway. Attendees will participate in High Performance Karting with the Richard Petty Driving Experience and discover the art and science of teambuilding firsthand. Team members will rotate through three important roles: driver, crew chief and pit crew. The experience is designed to teach making decisions quickly, developing processes with the input of others, and good communication with team members.

On Day Three, morning and afternoon training sessions will be led by Dr. Bernie Erven, professor emeritus of agricultural economics at the Ohio State University and a two-time recipient of the Ohio State University Award for Distinguished Teaching. Because no dairy business succeeds if its employees are failing, Dr. Erven will walk attendees through the natural relationship-building steps of forming, storming, norming and performing. He will distinguish between interpersonal communication vs. the organization's communication, cultural differences within a team, and avoiding the "I can do it better and faster myself" attitude that many managers battle.

The home base for 2015 PDPW Managers Academy is the Hilton Charlotte University hotel, which is offering a special rate before December 31, 2014. Due to high demand and limited space, this experience is limited to the first 100 registrants. To learn more about the 2015 Managers Academy or to register, contact PDPW at 800-947-7379 or visit www.pdpw.org.

Partnering with PDPW to deliver the 2015 Managers Academy are Boehringer Ingleheim Vetmedica, Inc., Cargill, Progressive Dairyman, and Zinpro Performance Minerals. PDPW's corporate and mission sponsors are also partners in delivering this education opportunity.

This program is an accredited training program with the University of Wisconsin-School of Veterinary Medicine (UW-SVM) and veterinarians may receive up to 22.7 CEUs for attending.

Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin is a dairy-producer founded organization that provides educational programs and services to fellow dairy producers. PDPW's mission is "to share ideas, solutions, resources, and experiences that help dairy producers succeed."Return to Industry Buzz.

11.25.2014