Learn how to move your farm to the next level of growth by participating in the BizGrowth Challenge Symposium at the Multi-Purpose Center on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
I have lived on Saipan for 14 years. I have taught business courses at Northern Marianas College and consulted with businesses on Saipan and Guam for over 12 years.
Something that few people know about me is that my first job was working on my uncle’s farm in Holbrook, Idaho when I was 12 years old, driving tractor to bail alfalfa and plow, and herding cattle on his 600-acre farm.
By the time I was 14 years old I was driving the wheat combine and the dump truck to haul the wheat (you can get a day driver’s license in Idaho at 14).
I mention this because I know a little about farming, and I know how difficult, but rewarding it can be to someone who likes to work the land. I believe that farm activity on Saipan is and will continue to be the second leg of the economy — and even has the potential to surpass tourism as the main source of revenue for the government. That’s a bold statement, but I believe if enough farmers operate their farm like a business it can not only create a higher yield from the farm, but become more financially rewarding for the farmer.
I’ve put together a concept called the BizGrowth Challenge that has a goal to help turn the economy around, and as you can see from the front of this flier, Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service is helping out with the Wednesday session.
On Thursday I’m going to kick off the challenge at an all-day Launch Symposium, which will help businesses (farmers included) focus on growing their organization over the 12-week challenge period.
I plan to tailor the material to those who participate in the challenge, and if there are enough farmers who participate or just join to get information to grow their farm, I will do more things with NMC-CREES to give you whatever assistance I can to help you run a more profitable and well-managed farm.
The entire program is valued at over $1,800, but you’ll only invest $97, or less than 5 percent of the estimated value, to receive all the benefits listed on the website at www.SaipanBestLiving.com.
You can even register for the Thursday session on the website and save $20 before Wednesday.
If you just want to attend the symposium on Thursday, the cost is only $30 per person. The Wednesday session is free, so make sure to attend it.
Complete the registration form and survey on the over side and either give it to the person who handed this form to you, or bring it to the free training offered on Wednesday, June 2 from 8 to 12 noon.
The symposium on Thursday is designed to offer valuable information and ongoing support that will help your farm operate more like a business and continue to grow. Get more information on the website at:www.SaipanBestLiving.com
The mission of the BizGrowth Challenge is to improve the local economy and quality of life on Saipan by working collaboratively with organizations and experts to provide businesses with affordable resources to effectively achieve sustainable growth.
