NAMA Recognizes the Best of the Industry.

NAMA continues to recognize the best in the Agribusiness. With the adoption of the "Purpose, Values & Key Initiatives" in spring, 2000; NAMA leaders have developed a plan to extend the organization's value to outstanding leaders in agribusiness. Therefore, the awards programs scheduled for the 2001 Agri-Marketing Conference & Trade Show, April 11-13 in Denver, Colo. will strengthen the position of NAMA as the professional development organization for agribusiness and agri-marketing.

To best address leadership achievement of NAMA members and those in the food and fiber industry, both the Ag Marketer of the Year and the National Award for Agricultural Excellence Awards will be blended to create the Agribusiness Leader of the Year. This award will continue to attract agribusiness leaders and open the door to leaders in private, public or academic service.

Secondly, NAMA will recognize its active members with overall marketing and/or sales responsibilities with the NAMA Marketer of the Year award. This new award is the most prestigious honor awarded to an active member of the association and designed to honor outstanding accomplishments in the field of marketing directly to ag producers.

Nomination information was distributed in October and applications are due to NAMA by January 15, 2001. Both awards will be presented during the spring Agri-Marketing Conference & Trade Show. For more information, please contact:

Kathleen Montgomery, Director of Industry Services, NAMA, 11020 King Street, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS 66210, [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: [e-mail].