The Agricultural Public Relations Hall of Fame will be adding Steve Drake, ag communicator and consultant.  The honor is to recognize those who have contributed to public relations and the Ag Relations Council (ARC).  ARC along with Agri Marketing magazine sponsor the program.

Steven has previously won an ARC Founders Award and has worked in public relations for more than 30 years.  His career began as an Associated Press news reporter, followed by 10 years in college public relations.  He moved in to the ag industry in 1978 with American Soybean Association.  From there he began Drake & Company, focusing on association management, mostly of companies in agriculture.  Some of his accomplishments include:

• Winning a PRSA Silver Anvil by developing at PR team at ASA
• Taking Soybean Digest to a commercial magazine
• Coordinating Monsanto’s flood relief program in 1993, which won him the Silver Anvil.
• Expanding the National Christmas Tree Association through Trees for Troops and many other programs
• Working with other leaders to develop the Ag Meida Summit.

Ken Bader, former CEO of ASA and president of Global Agribusiness says, “His imaginative and effective public relations efforts are deserving of this national acclaim and recognition.  I have known Steve for over 40 years when he was responsible for all public relations activities as well as serving as my ‘second in command.’  He is a superb and innovative public relations expert.”

Steve is currently president and owner of SCD Group, Inc. and editor of the SCDdaily blog.  His firm provides advice to associations and nonprofits regarding marketing and strategic visioning and he works with associations and for-profit companies on generational issues.