The National Agri-Marketing Association has named the recipients of its annual Professional Development Awards of Excellence. They will be honored at the upcoming Agribusiness Forum in Kansas City, MO.

• Steve Engle, executive vice president, Woodruff Sweitzer, will receive the marketing communications honor. Engle has led the development of the highly successful “Ready to Rumble” launch campaign for AGCO brand tractors as well as the highly successful re-positioning of EVEREST Herbicide from Arysta LifeScience North America.
• Barry Nelson, public relations manager, John Deere, will receive the award of excellence in public relations. Nelson is responsible for media relations, strategic integration of public relations with overall advertising/communications strategies, internal and special communications, managing the contributions/donations budget, and providing customer support with timely information about John Deere products and services.
• Anita Vanderwert, national director of ag sales for Brownfield, will be the recipient of the award of excellence in sales. Vanderwert has been involved in ag communication and ag sales and marketing for over 15 years. Vanderwert has been the primary link to customers, and as a result, the primary driver of change and adaptation of new technology. Further, she has pushed for new offerings to serve ag customers pushing Brownfield beyond the borders of exclusively offering only radio solutions. By listening to her, as she has been listening to customers, Brownfield has improved web applications and web solutions, expanded email and daily electronic update services, created new “event marketing” opportunities in addition to blogging, podcasting, rss feeds and agricultural forums.

Congratulations!