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Leadership Program

A PROGRAM FOR FUTURE LEADERS WHO HAVE A PASSION WORKING IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY, POSSESS AN INTEREST IN THE DYNAMICS AND TRENDS OF GOVERNMENT, AND WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE DIRECTION OF THIS INDUSTRY.

Program Outline

This program combines elements of mentoring, organizational Education, leadership, policy trends, training and guided Experiences. We are looking for individuals who have Demonstrated a commitment to the new jersey food council and who have great potential for growth and advancement in the nj food distribution business.

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The 2025 leadership development program participants will attend the following sessions:

  • Welcome/Orientation/Introductions
  • Food Industry Advocacy
  • Insight from NJ Business Leader
  • Understanding the Pulse & Trends of the Food Business
  • Presentation from Committee Leaders
  • Roundtable Discussion
  • Reception with NJFC Executive Committee & Nominators
  • Tour of Statehouse and witness Legislative Hearings
  • Lobbying 101
  • Briefing on Legislative Process
  • Meetings with Legislative Leadership
  • Understanding the Food Industry’s Unique Perspective on NJ Policy
  • Understanding the Role of Government
  • Presentations from NGA & FMI lobbyists who interact with the federal government
  • Tour Capitol Hill
  • Grassroots Discussion/Presentation
  • Meet Members of NJ Congressional Delegation
  • Dinner in DC
  • Meet an Industry CEO to Discuss Leadership Philosophy
  • Rubber Meets the Road – Sit in on NJFC Board Meeting
  • Attend Trade Relations Conference

“Administrative Advocacy” – Hear from State Agency leaders about the principles of compliance and regulation that impact your business.

  • Graduation Reception
  • Closing/Evaluation of the Program

OVERVIEW

The purpose of the Leadership Development Program is to provide both orientation and skill development to future leaders of various segments of the food industry including food retailers, suppliers, brokers, wholesalers and companies that service the business.

PROGRAM GOALS

  • Identify individuals with the potential to become leaders in their business, to understand the mission of NJFC and potentially to serve on active NJFC committees and the Board of NJFC;
  • Educate these individuals on public policy areas and its impact on their business and industry bottom line;
  • Provide orientation and skills to allow potential leaders to promote the industry; and
  • Facilitate the promotion of program graduates into leadership positions both locally and nationally.

GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPATION

  • Nominees must represent a current member company in good standing of the NJ Food Council, and only 2 nominees per company;
  • Nominee must agree to participate in all elements of the Leadership Development Program as noted in the program outline (i.e., attend all designated meetings, etc.);
  • Some travel expenses for participation may be assumed by the individual participant, but NJFC pays for trip to D.C.;
  • Estimated Leadership Development Program class: 8-10 participants;
  • Participants will receive a complimentary admission to each NJFC event and graduation gift.

PARTICIPANT SELECTION

  • The Leadership Development Program Selection Committee will review and select participants based on completed nomination forms post marked by December 20, 2024;
  • Selected participants will be notified by the Selection Committee immediately following the Committee’s decision; and
  • Nominees who have not been previously selected may be re-nominated.