Agribusiness Leader of the Year.

The Agribusiness Leader of the Year award recognizes leadership achievement in agriculture and the food and fiber industry. This award is the most prestigious recognition that is bestowed by the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA). The award's name was changed from the Agri-Marketer of the Year in 2001 in recognition of the strong leadership role previous honorees have contributed to the agribusiness industry. This year's honoree, Richard Clauss, chairman of the board, Hilmar Cheese Company Hilmar, Calif., certainly reflects the industry leadership recognized by this award. Clauss was presented the award during the 2003 Agri-Marketing Conference & Trade Show, April 15-17 in San Diego.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE

The Agribusiness Leader of the Year honors outstanding leaders in agribusiness, education, government service and other agribusiness-related areas. Nominees are solicited from senior-level positions in private, public or academic service. Nominees exemplify excellence in agribusiness through their contributions to the industry. Nominations may come directly to the national level or through local NAMA chapters who forward chapter honorees. Nominees do not need to be NAMA members.

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING

The NAMA Professional Recognition Committee oversees the process of selection. A nominating panel selected by the committee, previews the nominees and selects the top four candidates. A judging panel is then appointed to make the final decision from among the final four candidates. The judging panel includes previous honorees of the award.

Each nominee for the Agribusiness Leader of the Year is evaluated based on specific criteria. These criteria and the point value of each are:

Leadership (40): What is the nominee's unique approach to leading others? Demonstrate the nominee's role as a leader within the agricultural industry and far-reaching impact on the agribusiness community. How has the nominee made exceptional contributions and exemplified excellence in agribusiness?

Innovative Ability (20): What is the nominee's understanding of current issues and needs related to agribusiness? How has the nominee's leadership style contributed to unique approaches and demonstrated leadership in action?

Accomplishment (20): Discuss the creative solutions of the nominee regarding issues of national importance. What achievements distinguish the nominee within the past two years?

Industry Leadership (20): What role has the nominee played in professional organizations (primarily organizations serving agribusiness, farmers or ranchers). What have been the nominee's contributions to the agriculture community through service to organizations and the industry?