COLUMBUS, Ohio — More than 300 Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) members and industry professionals were on hand to engage in collaborative learning and networking at the organization’s annual Industry Conference, January 25-27 at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville. Through a variety of sessions presented by well-respected speakers from across the country, the conference pushed attendees to reach for new heights in their agribusiness endeavors.
“OABA members displayed great resiliency and flexibility over the past two years in adapting to virtual events,” said Christopher Henney, OABA president and CEO. “It was energizing to once again bring our membership together in person for this year’s Industry Conference.”
The conference addressed key topics in today’s agriculture industry, including economic outlook, carbon markets, climate dynamics, supply chain implications, trade, workplace safety, hiring and retention during the Great Resignation Period, and much more. Notable speakers at the three-day event included Robert Fox, CoBank Knowledge Exchange; Dan Hanson, Marsh McLennan Agency, LLC; Aaron Wilson, Ohio State University; and Mark Worner, Agoro Carbon Alliance.
At the Annual Meeting on Jan. 26, OABA recognized the recipients of the 2022 OABA Industry Excellence Awards. Holly Cotter of Centerra Co-op received the Excellence in Customer Service Award; Brian Spangler of Centerra Co-op received the Achievement as an Emerging Leader Award; Tim Flock of Central Ohio Farmers Co-op received the Excellence in Safety & Stewardship Award. Monte Anderson, Ph.D. was named an OABA Honorary Member.
During the annual meeting, OABA announced new members to the Board of Directors. Additionally, the Board of Directors has new leadership for 2022-23. Robert Mullen of Heritage Cooperative will serve as Chairman of the Board. Grant Gates of Morral Companies, LLC was elected to serve as Vice Chairman. Jackie Seibert of L W Seibert Farms, LLC transitions from her role as Chairwoman to Past Chairwoman.
The 2023 OABA Industry Conference will be held January 31 – February 2, 2023 at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel.
About OABA
The Ohio AgriBusiness Association is the leading advocate for Ohio agribusiness by creating a sustainable business climate through collaborative policy leadership, continuous education and effective communication. OABA is a membership-based state trade association which includes the manufacturers and wholesale/retail suppliers of plant nutrient and protection materials, the grain warehousing and marketing industry, the feed and seed industry, as well as companies providing equipment, financing, insurance, consulting, and other products and services for the agribusiness industry. OABA is also the administrator of the Ohio Certified Crop Adviser Program, 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program and Ohio Agricultural Council. For more information, visit oaba.net.
— Ohio AgriBusiness Association