ARA capped off 2022 with a successful conference and expo that also marked the association’s 30th anniversary serving agricultural retailers at the federal level. Guided by the theme “Navigating the Channels of Ag Retail,” the event gathered 650 attendees in San Diego to exchange ideas and expand networks. It was one of the best-attended ARA conferences in recent years.
In addition to recognizing the 30-year milestone, the audience also celebrated the industry contributions made by the 2022 ARA award winners.
Jack Eberspacher Lifetime Achievement Award
Tim McArdle brought home ARA’s top individual honor, the Jack Eberspacher Lifetime Achievement Award, for his legacy of leadership not only as chief operating officer at Brandt Consolidated but also across the entire ag retail industry.
Although Tim is now retired from Brandt, he continues his service to American agriculture as ResponsibleAg’s ambassador, tasked with recruiting more ag retail facilities to enhance their safety culture through the ResponsibleAg Certification Program. His ResponsibleAg journey started as a charter board member and chair before helping to develop the industry-led initiative into what it is today—a resource for ag retailers to properly store and handle farm input supplies.
Distinguished Service Award
Gary Vogen, vice president of corporate and regulatory affairs at Yara North America, was named the Distinguished Service Award winner for his service on the ARA board of directors as well as his insights shared frequently with the public policy team to inform several important advocacy decisions on issues impacting agribusinesses.
Gary’s passion and effort far exceed the traditional responsibility of supporting our industry. His leadership as ResponsibleAg board chair has steered the organization’s strategic transition to better meet the needs of ag retail facilities across the nation.
Retailer of the Year Award
Marion Ag Service Inc. was recognized as the 2022 ARA Retailer of the Year. Known for maintaining an incredible caliber of customer service and integrity, the Marion Ag Service team empowers grower-customers to thrive.
This ARA retailer-member promotes the interests of the agronomy industry while balancing good environmental stewardship for farmlands, growers and employees—all of which are requirements for receiving this award, which is supported by Bayer and The Scoop.
ARA Rising Stars
The 2022 class of ARA Rising Stars took up most of the main stage at the ARA conference as the honorees were cheered on by the crowd. “Leading with Purpose” was the theme of the 2022 award program, which also included a video contest. The Rising Stars video winner, selected by the award program sponsor Atticus, is Jessi Vance-Hintz with Growmark Inc.
The value of the ARA Rising Stars program doesn’t end with ARA conference networking and learning. Rising Stars also complete the ARA Navigator 360° online leadership assessment to identify their own strengths and areas to improve, so they can better meet the unique needs of their companies. Developed specifically for ag leaders by NuVue LLC, this ARA tool empowers organizations to thrive in challenging times by developing effective leadership.
The 2022 ARA Rising Stars:
Jessica Alderson, ADM Fertilizer
Loren Babe, GROWERS
Brett Dible, Pathway Ag, LLC
Luke DeGroot, GAR Bennett
Zachary Emmendorfer, River Bend Ag LLC
Amanda Ganes, Novus Ag LLC
Lena Head, AgVend
Jessi Vance-Hintz, Growmark
Edgard Jauregui, Heliae Agriculture
Alex Johnson, Novus Ag LLC
Greg Kamienski, Grow West
William Lunt, Precision Tank
Adam McIntyre, MFA Incorporated
Allison Mockler, Agtegra Cooperative
Mitchell Perigo, CDMS/Proagrica
Joseph Rasnic, AgSyn LLC
Chelsea Rodriguez, International Raw Materials
Brett Schmitz, Grow West
Lauren Taylor, Co-Alliance Cooperative
Ben Westendorf, Growers
Jason Worthington, MFA Incorporated
What’s Next?
Many of ARA’s current and past award winners participate in ARA Legislative Fly-In events, which have strengthened our industry’s voice among federal regulators and legislators. Join ARA for the 2023 Winter Board Meeting & Legislative Fly-In, held Feb. 6-8 in Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., to be part of grassroots advocacy that benefits ag retail.
ARA members will gather on Capitol Hill for visits with their elected officials in Congress.
The ARA board of directors and active ARA committees will also meet to discuss internal matters related to topics such as strategic planning, public policy, member services and conference planning.
ARA counts on its engaged membership’s participation to ensure the association is properly positioned to provide a platform for grassroots advocacy, valuable networking and industry education. Save the date!
