Farm Credit System

Sustainability Concept Workshop

What to Expect and How to Prepare

What We Aim to Accomplish

Why it matters:

This workshop is pivotal in refining the sustainability fund concept, gaining buy-in, and laying the groundwork for a successful pilot program.

The goals:

  • Clarity: Address questions and align understanding of the concept.

  • Refinement: Improve the concept with participant input—without changing the scope.

  • Ownership: Engage stakeholders to foster commitment.

  • Action: Draft an operating model and roadmap with milestones and go/no-go points.

  • End in Mind: Align on the 90 plan to secure association approval to develop a pilot.

The big picture:

Success in the next 30-90 days means delivering a refined plan, securing partner commitments, and preparing to pilot the concept.

In one year, we aim to operationalize the model, complete a pilot with measurable outcomes, and establish critical partnerships to scale or pivot confidently.

By the numbers:

The pilot goal:

  • 100 customer interactions → 50 prospects → 25 loans → $1M disbursed.

  • Partnerships: Three data partners and two funding collaborators.

The bottom line:

This is a chance to collaborate, refine, and execute. Whether the pilot succeeds or uncovers lessons, we can make informed decisions.

What To Expect

Experience: A series of exercises using small groups, post-it notes, and sharpies. We’ll be on our feet, moving about the room.

Dress: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Location: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa - Hospitality Suite

Date & Time: February 4, 2025, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM CST

Note: This is an in-person-only event. No dial-in or video conference will be available.

Agenda:

Morning

8:00 AM: Welcome + Warm-Up + Agreements

8:30 AM: What is the Sustainability Fund concept?

9:45 AM: Break

10:00 AM: How might the Sustainability Fund work?

11:30 AM: Lunch

Afternoon

12:15 PM: What would have to be true?

1:00 PM: What resistance will we get from stakeholders?

1:45 PM: Break

2:00 PM: What should we anticipate if we activate the fund?

2:45 PM: What actions must we take over the next 90 days?

3:15 PM: How committed are we to activating the plan?

3:45 PM: Close + Next Steps

4:00 PM: Adjourn

How to Prepare for the Session

Required:

  1. Read the sustainability concept document provided by Myriah before arriving at the workshop. (30 min)

  2. Watch the Concept and Proposal overview video below. (18 min)

Learn More About

Jeff Shannon

A master facilitator of corporate strategy workshops, leadership development, and offsite retreats. He conducts 80+ sessions annually for numerous companies in the midwest, and is the author of business guides like "Lead Engaging Meetings" and "Hard Work Is Not Enough."