GEAPS opens award nominations

Grain Elevator and Processing SocietyThe Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) has opened nominations for its annual awards program, inviting the grain and grain processing community to recognize professionals who have made significant contributions to their fields.

Nominations remain open through Dec. 31 for two separate honors: the Member of Distinction Award and the Industry Leader Award. Winners will be announced at GEAPS Exchange 2027, scheduled for Feb. 20-23 in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Member of Distinction Award targets individuals who have shown consistent volunteer leadership, strengthened the GEAPS community or advanced the organization’s mission. To qualify, nominees must have maintained GEAPS membership (Regular, Associate, Affiliate or Lifetime) for at least five of the past 10 years.

The Industry Leader Award casts a wider net, honoring anyone who has made substantial improvements to the grain and grain processing sectors. Areas of recognition include safety, efficiency, innovation and quality. Unlike the Member of Distinction Award, this honor is open to all industry professionals, regardless of GEAPS membership status.

“The Member of Distinction and Industry Leader awards are about recognizing our colleagues for their contribution, dedication and hard work in the grain and grain processing industries,” said John Caupert, CEO of GEAPS. “GEAPS and the industries it serves cannot be successful without a foundation of amazing people who are doing incredible work. I’m humbled, as it’s an honor to work alongside the very people who feed, fuel and clothe the world.”

The awards program serves as one of several ways GEAPS acknowledges the professionals driving the grain industry forward. By accepting nominations from across the sector, the organization aims to shine a light on both visible leaders and those whose contributions may occur behind the scenes.

GEAPS members and industry observers can submit nominations through the organization’s website. The nomination process allows colleagues, supervisors and peers to put forward candidates they believe have earned recognition for their professional achievements and industry service.

The announcement of award recipients will take place during GEAPS Exchange 2027, which the organization bills as the premier event in the grain and grain processing industries. Exhibitor registration for the Kansas City event is currently open.