Complete Story
Grow Your Leaders: OABA Accepting Applications for 2026 LAUNCH Class
Due Nov. 1
“I had a great time and would highly recommend it to anyone interested.”
“What a privilege it has been to experience this opportunity! 10/10 would recommend others from my organization to attend.”
“I jumped out of my comfort zone and took this opportunity, and I’m glad I did.”
Today’s agribusiness leader must be nimble enough to lead continuous change around workforce, consumer demands, environmental and governmental challenges -- all while fostering a network and collaborating with others.
Whether you consider yourself a leader in your organization already or want to be, you can build your skills through LAUNCH – Leaders Achieving Unexpected New Career Heights. Join more than 200 agribusiness professionals who have risen to the challenges and opportunities facing agribusinesses through this one-of-a-kind leadership experience.
The LAUNCH program -- hosted by the Ohio AgriBusiness Association in partnership with Shift-ology Communication -- is geared to help Ohio agribusinesses Elevate People, Elevate Ideas and Elevate the Industry.
OABA is now accepting applications for the 2026 LAUNCH Class. Applications are due November 1, 2025.
WHO?
Emerging leaders with a desire to meet higher-level goals than the scope of their current position. The course is designed for leaders with all levels of experience – from entry-level to seasoned employees – who seek to make a bigger impact within their company and the industry.
Young leaders and more established managers will benefit from personal insight that helps strengthen their communication and business acumen, find their voice and expand their influence. As an employer, LAUNCH is an opportunity to say to your star employees: “I believe in you, and I’m investing in your growth and opportunity to move our business forward.”
WHAT?
LAUNCH is a transitional training – empowering employees to meet higher-level goals, going beyond the scope of their current position. Agribusinesses continually compete with all industries to recruit and retain the best talent, but there is also a need to invest in those who are already passionate about agriculture.
Program topics and skills practiced include personal insight, next-level leadership skills, and decision-making, including strategic planning, critical thinking, change management, goal setting, and organizational skills; communication skills; global issues in agriculture; sales and marketing principles; Ohio/regional trends in agribusiness; state and local government; and a personalized capstone project.
What’s a Capstone Project? One key component of LAUNCH is an individual capstone project where the participant selects a strategic project to implement at their place of business. Past participants have conducted feasibility studies, changed Ohio law, developed new branch locations, launched new product lines, and created training programs with their employers, amounting to millions of dollars of return on investment for Ohio agribusiness.
Your LAUNCH Network: While the curriculum alone is enough to make LAUNCH worth the investment, the network is what our graduates rave about. Your small group will grow together through the program to support one another through your current challenges, strategic Capstone projects, and remain intact as you return to your companies within the industry.
More information on LAUNCH is available at www.oaba.net/launch.
