Tweeting in a Twub via Twitter - @WestfieldAg gathers for #AgChat!

 
Last evening, various members of our AgriBusiness Division gathered to discuss hot topics in agriculture via a Twitter discussion group (also known as a "twub") called #AgChat.  Not only did the group include underwriters and Division leadership, but we were also joined by a Westfield Agent, Marc Clinard from AVI Risk Management and Insurance Brokers in Farmington, NM.

We participated in the discussion with the @WestfieldAg Twitter handle, but also had members of our group participating with their personal user names and even had members of our business unit joining in the discussion from home across various states!   Last night's moderated discussion touched on farmer's markets, their vendors and customers and also vetted thoughts on community supported agriculture.  According to Scott Orndorff, our National Leader of Specialty Markets, "It's amazing to observe the diversity of opinions shared during the conversation."

The purpose of us attending as a group was to help staff gain a greater comfort level with social media and specifically to explore the many ways that we can utilize Twitter to build a deeper knowledge of specific segments and issues within agriculture.  We also believe this is another avenue for us to develop stronger relationships with our agency partners as well as current and prospective customers who are also using the tool.

When asked about her thoughts on the evening, underwriter Bethany Haynes shared, "#AgChat is something I've wanted to participate in for some time now, but was never able to find the time.  After we were organized in a fun group environment, I will feel more comfortable joining the discussion in the future when the time suits my schedule and I look forward to following future topics that may be discussed."  Lee Kolenich, another underwriter agreed that the evening was enjoyable and she liked "meeting other #AgChat participants on line and reading views and questions from all over the country!"

All in all, the event was a success and we're looking forward to finding more opportunities to engage in social and professional networking.  Please feel free to share comments below on how and why you use social media to support your busines!

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Kristin is a farm and commercial agribusiness underwriter with the Western Region of Westfield’s AgriBusiness Division. She is located at the company’s headquarters in Westfield Center, Ohio and holds an underwriting responsibility for the states of Illinois and Iowa.  Kristin’s love of agriculture is strongly tied to her experience growing up on her family’s registered Jersey farm in north-central Ohio. .

Comments

[Bonnie Hanzie]

Last evening was a fun experience. It was great to see the paticipation by people from all over the country. The concerns and feedback around the Farmers Markets was very interesting.

[Ronald Spittler]

The thing that amazed me was the amount of interaction we had on last night topic. We had responses from all over the country. I am looking forward to the next one.

[Kevin Ogan]

I congratulate Westfield has embraced this type of event. It's a great way to interact with all areas of the farm/ag industry. Truly a great eye opening experience for your staff to better understand new concerns in the market you serve.

[Kevin Ogan]

*who has embraced* Can you tell it's my Friday!

[Kristin Taylor]

Thanks for the comments Bonnie, Ron and Kevin! If you have ideas for future posts, please let us know!