Setting the Table in Chicago with youth leadership

Ryan McGeachy of Chatham, Ontario, recently attended the 2013 GROWMARK Annual Meeting in Chicago as this year’s youth speaker where he spoke in front of more than 1000 attendees about his views on how co-operatives can help build a better world. 

McGeachy was one of three young people chosen to take part in the travel opportunity sponsored by GROWMARK, Inc. Also travelling to Chicago was 4-H Ontario Ambassador Brianna Dracup of Stirling, and director of fund development for Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario Sara Jibb of Sunderland. Jibb is also an employee of Sunderland Co-operative.

Attending the 2013 GROWMARK AGM
as youth delegates are Ryan McGeachy (CYL),
Sara Jibb (JFAO) and Brianna Dracup (4-H Ontario). 

Ryan McGeachy is attending the University of Guelph majoring in agriculture business. He was chosen for this opportunity through his involvement with the Ontario Co-operative Association’s Co-operativeYoung Leaders Program sponsored by AGRIS Co-operative Ltd. McGeachy also represents Junior Achievement as a Canadian Ambassador.

In his opening remarks in Chicago, McGeachy said that, “A business cannot run effectively without a well-guided system and for co-ops, it is the seven co-operative principals that characterize a co-operative’s vision and ultimately defines how co-operatives can help build a better world.”

Each year GROWMARK provides travel opportunities to youth who have shown dedication to leadership development. They travel to Chicago to learn more about GROWMARK and network with business people and other young leaders. As part of their experience, they took part in the annual meeting’s grand opening ceremonies with young leaders from Future Farmers of America and had the opportunity to visit the Chicago Board of Trade. 

Young leaders from Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Ontario take part in the
"Grand Entry of Colours" Ceremony at GROWMARK AGM at the Hilton Chicago.