The Agricultural Retailers Association recognized the 40-year career of William “Tip” O’Neill with the Jack Eberspacher Lifetime Achievement Award, and presented the Distinguished Service Award to long-time board member Steve Nielsen during the ARA Conference and Expo in Phoenix this week.

Nielsen, most recently general counsel and corporate secretary for United Suppliers, joined the ARA board of directors in 2011. He has been an active board member during his tenure. In 2012, he participated in the Leadership at its Best program, and later served as chair of the Public Policy Committee. He frequently advocates on behalf of the industry in Washington, D.C.

O’Neill has been with International Raw Materials since its founding in 1979. Based in Philadelphia, IRM is an international marketing company specializing in the wholesale distribution of fertilizers and industrial chemicals. For many years, he served on the ARA Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and has been a steadfast supporter of the fertilizer industry’s advocacy and education efforts.

Listen to remarks from both honorees:
ARA Distinguished Service, Steve Nielsen
ARA Lifetime Achievement, Tip O'Neill
2017 ARA Conference and Expo Photo Album