Omaha, Nebraska, USA
January 30, 2009
The Independent
Professional Seed Association (IPSA) celebrated the
Association's 20th Anniversary during its Annual Conference and
Trade Show, January 20-22 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Over 260
people registered and attended the program, which featured
outstanding keynote speakers on a variety of relevant topics.
"One long-time member commented to me that ‘this was the best
set of speakers' he had seen at any industry program" commented
outgoing IPSA President Bill Latham, Latham Seeds in Alexander,
Iowa.
Over the past year, IPSA developed an aggressive plan to provide
key programs, delivered by outstanding speakers, during this
historic annual conference. IPSA's Business Development
Committee provided insight and support throughout this process.
Incoming President Lou Schweigert with GroAlliance in Cuba City,
Wisconsin, served as Chairman of the planning committee and
offered this assessment: "The bar has been set at a new height
with this 20th Annual Conference, and the committee will begin
work immediately to make the 21st Conference an even greater
success."
This year's event also featured a banquet on Wednesday evening
to recognize key leaders from the Association's 20 year history.
Several past presidents were on hand to be recognized and
thanked for their service. Outgoing President Bill Latham also
passed the gavel to Lou Schweigert, who will serve as IPSA's
President for 2009.
In partnership with GreenLeaf Genetics, IPSA also announced the
Agricultural Achievement Award, which was presented to Chan
Sieben, the first IPSA President. IPSA CEO Greg Ruehle stated
"Few people have given as significantly as Chan Sieben to make
IPSA the successful Association it is today. This award is just
one small way for IPSA to recognize Chan's commitment and effort
on behalf of independent seedsmen.
New Board members
elected this year for three-year terms include:
- Chuck
Cornelius, Cornelius Seed Corn Co., Bellevue,
Iowa
- John
Hennenfent, Munson Hybrids, Galesburg, Illinois
- Carl Peterson,
Peterson Farms Seed, Inc., Harwood, North Dakota
Additionally, the
following Officers were elected by the Board for the
coming year:
- President
- Lou Schweigert, GroAlliance in Cuba City, WI
- First Vice
President - David Hingst, Hoegemeyer Hybrids
in Hooper, NE (also Chair of IPSA's Business
Development Committee)
- Second Vice
President - Steve Kinsell, Silver Lane
Hybrids in Remington, IN (also Chair of IPSA
Membership Committee)
- Secretary
- Dennis Lutgen, Star Seed, Inc. in Osborne, KS
- Treasurer
- Carol Heesaker, Producer's Choice in Jordan,
MN
- Past
President - Bill Latham, Latham Seed Co. in
Alexander, IA
 |
Back
Row, Left to Right
John Hennenfent, Bill Latham, Past
Presiden, Chuck Cornelius, Carl Peterson,
Greg Ruehle, CEO
Front Row,
Left to right
Steve Kinsell, 2nd Vice President, Carol
Heesaker, Treasurer, Lou Schweigert,
President, David Hingst, 1st Vice President,
Dennis lutgen,Secretary |
IPSA also
recognized two members whose second term on the IPSA
Board of Directors had ended, making them ineligible
for re-election. Tom Burrus with Burrus Bros. &
Associated Growers in Arenzville, Illinois and Glen
Davis with Legend Seeds in DeSmet, South Dakota were
recognized for their years of dedicated service to
IPSA. Members also reviewed and approved changes to
the IPSA Bylaws to make Association governance
policies more relevant to today's seed industry.
Holly Hennenfent with Munson Hybrids was selected to
Chair IPSA's Education Committee, and Bryan Young
with Burrus Bros. was selected to Chair IPSA's
Research Committee. Members interested in serving on
an IPSA Committee should contact the office
immediately. |
The Independent Professional
Seed Association (IPSA) was formed in 1989 by a group of
independent seed producers who recognized the need for an
organization to represent independent seed companies world-wide.
The Association addresses research and biotechnology issues and
increases the media presence of the industry in an increasingly
competitive and dynamic business climate. IPSA represents nearly
100 seed companies from 20 states and Canada, who produce nearly
20 percent of the corn, soybeans, small grain and forage seeds
marketed annually.
More information can be found at the IPSA website at
http://www.independentseeds.com |
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