The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) has unveiled the first recipients of its IOMSA Golden Ticket Award Program, a new initiative designed to support grain processing professionals in enhancing their workplace skills and knowledge through attendance at GEAPS Exchange.
The program, named after the International Oil Mill Superintendents Association (IOMSA), which operated from 1905 to 2023, provides winners with complimentary Exchange registration and a $500 travel stipend. This year's winners, representing a diverse cross-section of the grain processing industry, are:
- Katherine Johns, Cargill Inc, Cedar Rapids, IA
- Daniel Kleine, South Dakota Soybean Processors, Volga, SD
- Julia Nester, Consolidated Grain and Barge, Edon, OH
- Lance Schreiber, Ringneck Energy, Onida, SD
- Ryan Slama, CHS Inc, Mankato, MN
The introduction of the IOMSA Golden Ticket Award coincides with the launch of a new educational track at GEAPS Exchange focused on grain processing. This track will cover critical industry topics such as:
- Extraction methods, safety regulations, and grain quality control
- Soybean processing techniques and their impact on product quality and yield
- The expanding role of oils in renewable energy, including biodiesel, plastics, and sustainable aviation fuel
John Caupert, GEAPS Executive Director, expressed enthusiasm about the program's potential to bring more processing professionals together at Exchange. "These winners represent a great cross section of professionals involved in the grain supply chain, from farm to fork, farm to fuel, and farm to the hundreds of other products made from grain. We're excited to welcome them to Exchange so we can all learn together," Caupert stated.
The IOMSA Golden Ticket Award Program underscores GEAPS' commitment to fostering education and professional development within the grain handling and processing industry. By providing opportunities for industry professionals to attend Exchange, GEAPS aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, networking, and innovation across the sector.
