Al Scholz has been active in Canada’s agriculture and food industry for 25 years as a management consultant, business owner, community leader, author and a popular speaker at conferences, seminars and training sessions.

As an author, Al published his first book, "Don’t Turn Out the Lights: Entrepreneurship in Rural Saskatchewan" in the Fall of 2000, which was nominated for a Saskatchewan Book Award in 2001. His second book in February 2002 was titled "Community Success Stories: Plans Actions and Results." He is researching his third book with the working title, "New Pioneers: The Resettling of Rural Canada."

As a keynote speaker, Al offers a unique story-telling approach to sharing the challenges and opportunities of doing business in today’s rapidly changing global economy. He draws on his wealth of knowledge from hundreds of interviews with successful rural business owners about managing change and adding value to products and services. He incorporates case studies and success stories from his books to illustrate practical strategies for improving business effectiveness and personal well-being.

As a consultant, Al brings practical experience and proven strategies in business planning and rural development training with expertise in the agri-value and food processing sector. Al served as Executive Director to the Saskatchewan Food Processors Association during its early formative years. He lived and worked over nine years in Southeast Asia, India, Central American and the Caribbean, focusing on agriculture, rural renewal and co-operative development.

Biography: Al is a graduate of the College of Agriculture and College of Education from the University of Saskatchewan, a member of the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists, the Canadian Consulting Agrologists Association, and the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. He served three terms with the Saskatoon & District Chamber of Commerce, served two terms on the Senate of the University of Saskatchewan, served on the Board of Directors of Saskatoon Credit Union and was President of the Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation. Al is currently the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Agrivision Corporation.

Related Websites:

• Al Scholz is "Executive Director" of Saskatchewan Agrivision Corporation (www.agrivision.sk.ca)
• Al Scholz is "General Manager" of Best Practice of Leading Farmers (www.leadingfarmers.com)
• Al Scholz is "Project Manager" of the Saskatchewan Water Council (www.droughtproofing.com)

Examples of Papers by Al Scholz (in pdf):

• Building Global Best Practices
• Key Success Factors for Community Economic Development Projects
• Best Practice of Leading Farmers
• The New Pioneers, Saskatchewan: A History of Agriculture
• Healthy Food, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Agriculture - Our History, Our Future
• Moving Up the Value Chain: The Best Practice of Leading Farmers

Testimonials from Business Leaders:

"Your data and prospects are very thought provoking and clearly, on the right track to help the prairies and Saskatchewan in particular." -- Peter Carton, Prairie Headquarters, Royal Bank of Canada

"Your thoughts are refreshing and invigorating to us. We are going home challenged to dare to dream even bigger." -- John and Susan Kastelen, Kastelen Sausage & Fine Meats, Sherwood Park, AB

"Mr. Scholz’s excellent presentation skills combined with his analytical abilities challenge audiences to confront the facts. I admire his ability to draw an audience beyond its preconceived notions in order to explore the implications of relevant data on the issues he discusses." -- John Treleaven, President & CEO, Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP)

"Saskatchewan people not only hide their achievements under a bushel basket; too often we criticize success and successful people. Scholz bursts the stereotype of Saskatchewan as the gap – the space between the Winnipeg and Calgary airports – where nothing positive happens. Emulating, not criticizing, successful people should be the formula for Saskatchewan in its second century. Scholz is just a few years ahead of his time." -- Paul Martin, Writer, broadcaster, business owner, Regina, SK

"While the concept of entrepreneurship is not new, it is becoming more and more prevalent as a means to control our destiny as a province. Al Scholz has done an excellent job of profiling successful rural entrepreneurs and raising the awareness of what this province can offer to those with the skills and abilities who are willing to take the risk." -- Laura Small, Executive Director, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.

"Al has captured the real essence of the Saskatchewan Spirit with these stories. These accomplishments make you feel good about being from Saskatchewan."
-- Trevor Forrest, Chairman Gardiner Dam Terminal Ltd.

"Al Scholz is an "army of one" when it comes to rural development services. His knowledge of best practices is the most thorough of any one I know; and the insights, energy and leadership of Head First Consulting combine to generate a tremendous resource to our province, and indeed, all of rural Canada and the U.S."
-- Dale Botting, CEO, Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA)