Educational Opportunities
Internship: KCARD sponsors and implements the KCARD internship program at the University of Kentucky and one cooperative or agribusiness. The internship program allows a student to learn about cooperatives, cooperative and business development, business plans, feasibility studies, and other associated University programs. The program gives a student the opportunity to coordinate and participate in conferences, and it provides the student the chance to network with agricultural and cooperative leaders across the state. Starting in 2007, KCARD has begun to cost-share for interns at cooperatives and agribusinesses that have demonstrated a need for an intern.
Cooperative Winter School: Periodically, KCARD hosts a two-day conference aimed at improving the business making decisions for cooperative managers and board members. In the past, over 30 managers and members from cooperatives across the state have attended this conference. The conference always includes a “Cooperatives 101” session to introduce new managers and board members to the basics of the cooperative structure.
Board Leadership Training: KCARD periodically hosts one-day meetings aimed at improving the leadership skills of the board members for cooperatives and LLCs. Topics often include 1) steps for a successful board meeting, 2) cooperative legal issues, 3) leadership skills necessary to make difficult decisions, and 4) characteristics of effective board of directors. KCARD targets highly qualified and respected leaders to be the speakers for these sessions.
Manager Retreat: KCARD often hosts 2-day retreats for cooperative managers. The retreats are structured for the managers to set the agenda and discuss the issues that are most critical to them. These retreats are aimed at creating more networking and potentially alignment opportunities for the cooperatives. Also, the retreats allow KCARD to better develop its service offerings to match the needs of its clients.
Luncheons/Roundtables: KCARD hosts periodic roundtable discussions where business owners/managers can share problems, ideas, solutions, and have networking opportunities
Workshops/Seminars: Occasionally, KCARD hosts workshops or seminars on topics of interest to many of our clients. For example, in the past KCARD has held a workshop on the new tax laws in Kentucky and the impact on Kentucky agriculture cooperatives.
Quickbooks Training: For businesses who need assistance in setting up QuickBooks or Quicken as their accounting system, KCARD can provide one-on-one assistance. For those who need more sophisticated assistance, KCARD sponsors employees from clients to attend QuickBooks training. KCARD also owns training DVDs on QuickBooks that clients can rent if they want to review.
AEC 316: KCARD participate as guest lecturers in the University of Kentucky’s Introduction to Cooperatives class.
Ohio River Valley Farm Marketing Conference: KCARD helps to sponsor and organize and participates in the annual Ohio River Valley Farm Marketing Conference. This conference is designed to provide producers information and resources concerning alternative agricultural enterprises and alternative marketing structures.
National Value-Added Ag Conference: KCARD serves on the organizational and planning committees for the National Value-Added Ag Conference. KCARD plays an active role in planning speakers, programs, and finding sponsors.
