Heather Goode Raleigh, North Carolina Communications Manager NutriDense
Please describe your agricultural background.
I have eight years of experience in agricultural marketing, working both on the crop protection and animal side. I am also an active member of the Carolinas-Virginia National Agri-Marketing Association, where I serve as the chapter treasurer.
What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I graduated from the University of Buffalo with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Performing Arts.
What previous positions have you held?
Prior to joining BASF Plant Science, I served as a client service advisor at Quarry Integrated Communications Inc. in Durham, North Carolina, where I worked on the swine business for Novartis Animal Health. Before that I was on the crop chemical side, working on the Syngenta Crop Protection horticulture business at Gibbs & Soell, Inc. in Raleigh, N.C.
What are your new responsibilities?
As the communications manager for NutriDense, I support the sales and marketing team through the development of marketing communication plans and tools that align with our business strategies and objectives. I work closely with the field program managers and nutritionists across both grain and corn silage markets to understand their needs and support them as they work toward their sales goals. Then, armed with that information, I work with the NutriDense marketing team and a strategic advertising agency to design and implement the appropriate communications tools.
What territory will you cover?
I am based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, but provide communications support to NutriDense markets across the Midwest and Northeast.
What excites you most about working in your new role?
I am joining the NutriDense team at an exciting time, as we are positioned for significant growth across both the grain and silage markets. We have set some high goals for the next few years, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to meet them. I have already had a chance to spend some time in the field with customers, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know my NutriDense team members, who have really impressed me with their expertise and experience in the corn silage and grain industries. We are busy planning our communications efforts for 2010, and I’m looking forward to moving forward with them.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
We have a number of communications initiatives in place and will be implementing more in 2010 to provide producers with timely, relevant information to help them be more profitable. Our team is comprised of a number of talented nutritionists and program managers, and I look forward to putting them in touch with producers through our blog, e-newsletter and other tools.
What’s your best story from the first day on the job?
Within my first few weeks, I had the opportunity to travel to Pennsylvania to award a dairy producer with a John Deere Gator 4x4 Utility Vehicle. He was the winner of a contest sponsored by NutriDense Silage. I enjoyed spending time with this producer and his family and getting a first-hand look at one of the premier dairy operations in the Northeast.
Why did you choose this company?
I was eager to put my agency background in public relations, marketing, advertising and social media to work for a cutting-edge product like NutriDense. As the business grows, it’s exciting to have the backing of BASF Plant Science, especially when it comes to trait technology. BASF Plant Science is at the forefront in meeting the world’s demand for more and better food, feed and renewable resources, and I wanted to be a part of that.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I want to help the agricultural community be more profitable by using tools such as NutriDense.
