The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation (IALF) has selected Andy Bastert, Senior Vice President of Lending at First State Bank of Western Illinois, as one of the 27 new members for the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program (IALP) Class of 2006.

Throughout the next two years Bastert will attend 14 seminars focusing on current social, political, and economic issues. The first year's curriculum includes a national travel seminar to Washington, D.C. A 14-day international study tour is the highlight of the second year of the program.

As the premier leadership program in Illinois, the IALF has provided for and strengthened agricultural leadership since it's founding in 1981. Candidates, ages 25 to 49, are selected to the IALP based on demonstrated leadership activities and potential, commitment to learning, and accountability to the Illinois and United States agricultural industry. The mission of the IALP is to develop knowledgeable and effective spokespersons to become policy and decision-makers for the agricultural industry