Over the years, the RealAg team have immersed themselves in every CAMA opportunity, realizing the value and benefits of membership in such an industry-focused community of agri-marketers. So, when CAMA put out the call to join the new National Sustaining Partner program, it was an easy decision for RealAgriculture to sign on.
“The ability to work side-by-side with CAMA and show our commitment to the industry is very important to us,” says Shaun Haney, Founder and Publisher of RealAgriculture. “Agri-marketing is a very important role in the agriculture industry and CAMA is critical to the development and growth of this group over the long term.”
Already a longtime member, the partnership offers new opportunities for RealAgriculture and CAMA to build on their common corporate goals together. Haney explains that developing talent has always been a goal for RealAgriculture, and CAMA provides opportunities to facilitate. “The ability to develop the skills and experiences of our RealAg team members through the CAMA events and learning opportunities is one of the biggest benefits our company has realized through our membership,” he says.
Anyone involved in agriculture and agri-marketing would agree the industry thrives on connections, something RealAgriculture also ranks as high on their corporate goal list. Being a member and participating in the events and networking opportunities assists the RealAgriculture team build connections that ultimately drive their business opportunities.
Haney notes there are many other intangible benefits of CAMA membership, like getting involved at the provincial chapter level, where company and team members can network and learn more about the industry. The opportunities for mentorship from marketing and communication professionals within agriculture is another unique benefit of membership. “Although there are common issues at the national level, the provincial organizations have the opportunity to connect with members at a more local level,” he says. “This more granular focus allows for regular face-to-face social or learning events.”
RealAgriculture is a sponsor and frequent entry submitter to the Best of CAMA awards, a favourite event for many members, including Haney and his team. He reflects on one of his favourite CAMA experiences at a Best of CAMA event in Quebec City saying, “we won our very first award at the event, and the chill of that first recognition of what RealAg was doing was so humbling.” While CAMA events can be great business and networking opportunities, Haney notes they are also fun as he fondly remembers co-hosting a Best of CAMA event while sporting a large cowboy hat. Another RealAg team member, Lyndsey Smith shares one of her favourite CAMA memories, “early on, RealAgriculture’s donation to the Canadian Agri-Business Education Foundation live auction got such great buzz and went for well above face value. It was exciting!”
The RealAg team looks forward to continuing their future partnership with CAMA and participating in events. “We look forward to the eventual return of Best of CAMA in person. It’s one of the top events of the year we get to attend, with great people, some drinks, a little competition and some great memories,” says Haney.
By: Jeanine Moyer, Barn Door Communications and CAMA National Communications Lead