Yesterday, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) announced that seven industry professionals will participate in the 2017-2018 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) class, including two employees from Farmers Mutual Hail.

Sheila Backer, Insurance Specialist Manager, and Chad Groen, Regional Claims Manager of the Northern Region, have been selected to participate in the eight-month long program. ELP increases participants' knowledge of key policy issues and prepares them with the skills they need to be effective advocates for crop insurance.

"Now in its third year, there is no equivalent to CIRB's Emerging Leaders Program. It provides a unique opportunity to gain real-world advocacy experience and learn about the challenges and opportunities facing federal crop insurance," said Ron Rutledge, FMH President and CEO and CIRB Chairman. "Our future leaders also build relationships with influencers across the industry and from other trade associations, federal agencies and Members of Congress."

The program incorporates monthly activities that provide hands-on learning experiences, advocacy training, and networking with CIRB leadership, peers and governmental leaders. Through webinars and in-person events, participants will gain insights into the political process and learn the importance of collaboration in Washington. They will also have the opportunity to interact with the CIRB Executive Committee, Capitol Hill, USDA's Risk Management Agency and with other allied organizations that will broaden their understanding of the agriculture industry.

The class officially kicks off in September 2017 and concludes in April 2018 with the participants' graduation during CIRB's Washington, D.C. Fly-In event.

Past FMH participants include Aaron Rutledge, Assistant Vice President and Compliance Manager; Curtis Swain, Assistant Vice President and General Counsel; Ryan Benes, District Sales Manager II; and Chock Hefner, District Sales Manager II.

Click here to read the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau Press Release