From FFA to CHS Liz Collins Liz Collins was raised on a small farm near Minooka, Ill. She was hired in May by Northern Partners, Mendota, Ill., as an intern, and then brought on full-time in August as a seed sales specialist. She raises and shows registered paint and quarter horses. “FFA taught me time management, leadership, and how to network and present myself professionally.” Jason Schwantz Jason Schwantz was raised on and still farms his family’s operation near Plainview, Minn. A 17-year CHS employee, Jason has worked in grain marketing and energy. He serves on the Minnesota FFA Foundation board. “I have a passion for agriculture and for helping young people become involved with ag. Supporting and remaining involved with FFA is a big part of that.” Travis Thomas Travis Thomas grew up on a hobby farm outside Charles City, Iowa. He’s been associated with Five Star Cooperative since 1994 and manages the co-op’s sales staff for feed, agronomy, energy, hardware and grain. “I hired an intern this summer who was involved in FFA, based in large part on the skills I knew she must have to do well in competitions.” Bronya Renfrow Bronya Renfrow grew up on a hobby farm near Pleasantville, Iowa. She was an intern at CHS Central Montana Co-op before being hired full-time as a feed sales specialist after her June graduation. In college, she led her state’s agricultural sales career development event. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without FFA. It helped me develop my self-confi dence, public speaking and organizational skills. Being in FFA motivates you to do great and awesome things.” ■ Your CHS Connection 17