At the first day dinner NAMA presented the Professional Development Awards of Excellence. The first award was presented to Bev Larson, NK Brand/Syngenta Seeds in the marketing communications area. Presenting the awards was Tom Smull, NAMA President.

Larson began her career with the legacy company of Syngenta Seed’s NK Brand, Northrup King, in 1976, when she was a publications assistant who wrote and edited a variety of internal dealer and grower newsletters and publications. Today, she manages a multi-million dollar advertising and PR campaign. Larson plans and works with internal marketing groups, as well as a public relations agency and an advertising agency. She is also the key contact for three NK Brand marketing managers.