NAMA has named the organization’s national leadership award recipients. Awards were presented at the Best of NAMA, April 13 in Kansas City.

Presidents Award

Curt Blades, Successful Farming
This award is given to an individual who most closely supports the President’s key objectives.  Curt’s focus on Careers and involvement with National Ag Day has earned him this distinction.  He possesses a never-ending commitment to NAMA, demonstrated through his leadership on all levels of the organization.

R.C. Ferguson Award

Kyle Bauer, KFRM Radio
The RC Ferguson Award recognizes a long tenure of service and diligent and dependable performance.  Kyle has become part of the backbone of NAMA. His dedication over the years has never wavered.  Even after serving a full term on the Executive Committee, Kyle stepped up to be the chair of the membership committee. Membership numbers are up to the highest since 2003.

Dilworth Award for Innovation

Gary Cooper, Southeast AgNet/Citrus Industry Magazine
This award honors true originality in volunteer efforts by an individual or chapter. Gary Cooper has led a resurgence in the Florida chapter and organized an Ag Tour in conjunction with the ARC meeting in February.

Workhorse of the Year

Lori Wohletz, Colle+McVoy
The Workhorse of the Year Award recognizes individuals who fulfill a major assignment and inspire others to work harder, better and smarter.  Lori  was chair of the 2011 Agri-Marketing Conference Committee and led a team that accomplished high sponsorship participation and increased attendance.

Outstanding Chair

Lacy Carroll, Colle+McVoy
This award honors acceptance of responsibility and effective management of programs.  Lacy served as the 2010 Trends in Ag chair and spearheaded the program during its move out of Kansas City to Minneapolis.

Horizon Award Recipients
Horizon Awards recognize achievements by up-and-coming members of the organization on local, regional and national levels.

Kim Maloney, Freebairn & Co.
Kim is the president of the Southeastern Chapter.  She has been responsible for trying to resurrect the chapter and spearheaded the Southeastern Chapter Best of NAMA Ceremony.

Luann Pisarik, J.L. Farmakis
Luann has been an institution in the Cornbelt Chapter having served as the secretary/treasurer for several years. She is also the vice chair of the Chapter Services committee which is charged with planning the leadership workshops at the Agri-Marketing Conference and Trends in Ag.

Josh Krenz, Land O’Lakes
Josh is a past president of the North Central Chapter and has been instrumental in planning programs and events in that area.

Mindy Hempler, Syngenta
Mindy has served on the Boot Camp Committee for two years and has been responsible for planning the Ag Tour that is held in conjunction with that meeting.  During her tenure, the Ag Tour has been a huge success and continues to enjoy high ratings from attendees.