While working from home is considered the ‘new normal’ for many, face-to-face contact is still crucial for relationship building, providing the ideal forum for exchanging ideas, and developing strategies.
After two and a half years, the long overdue catch-up with the S&W Seed Company’s territory managers was well received,” said Tim Francis, national sales manager of S&W Seed Company Australia.
“The four-day program was a great example of how these events increase morale, strengthen internal relationships, and recognise and reward the efforts everyone has put in over the past year.”
A review of newly released and developing varieties was also conducted to ensure the best products are selected to expand the company's product offering in the next twelve to eighteen months.
Territory managers visited several sites and participated in a tour of S&W’s state-of-the-art, fully automated seed coating plant in Keith.
Mr Francis said seeing the facility in operation was, for many of the territory managers, the first time they had witnessed this process, and all came away being suitably impressed.
The team also gained first-hand knowledge about the operations of both the Wingfield and Penfield facilities during the site visits, learning about future marketing and sales strategies.
There were opportunities to spend valuable time with farmers to gain meaningful feedback and exchange information. The territory managers spent one day in the paddock with S&W’s lucerne breeder, Joanne Williams who demonstrated the new salt-tolerant varieties being prepared for the commercial market.
As a result of the program, Cameron Henley, the newly appointed managing director of international business, was able to provide the company with a platform for sharing ideas and experiences, learning, connecting, and planning for the future.
“With S&W's ambitious growth plans in mind, the event helped to create a clear path forward. By bringing together like-minded individuals, the program created a positive vibe and helped reinforce the team culture,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Francis said as COVID-related restrictions prevented the team from catching up over the past two years, this gathering was crucial.
“We are looking forward to the next 12–18 months with the launch of some exciting new products in the Australian market,” he said.
