NAMA Students Take Part in Ag Marketing Competition

Twelve students from Illinois State University’s chapter of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) participated in a national marketing competition held April 16-17 in Kansas City, Missouri.  Students from 31 NAMA chapters from across the nation participated in the competition, part of the National Agri-Marketing Association’s annual conference and trade show.

Illinois State team members developed a plan for marketing an onboard truck scale which allows grain producers to determine the weight of vehicles as they are loaded with grain in the field or at the on-farm bin site. During the Spring 2008 semester, the team prepared by conducting market research, writing the marketing plan and developing their presentation.

Team members were Ross Albert, Heyworth; Sara Jane Bretzman, Chebanse; Brett Caise, Beaverville; Samantha Gasca, Normal; Heather Grant, Decatur; Tim Gueldener, Moro; Ashley Kabureck, Geneva; Nick Ramirez, Springfield; John Robinson, Normal; Samantha Schafer, Jerseyville; Tony Stirling, Martinton; Jennifer Strickfaden, Edwardsville.

Student teams decide on a project and develop a plan to successfully bring the product or service to the marketplace. In developing their marketing plan, students follow the same practices and principles used by marketing professionals. Teams submit a written plan summary prior to the competition and then make a formal presentation of their marketing plan to a panel of marketing and agribusiness professionals, who serve as judges.