Citing his contribution to the promotion, development and improvement of the agricultural industry in the Metro East, the St. Louis AgriBusiness Club named Representative John Shimkus as its AgriBusiness Leader of the Year.

Shimkus accepted the award during the Club’s January meeting at Baisch and Skinner Wholesale Floral Distributor in St. Louis.

Throughout his seven terms in Congress, Shimkus has maintained a 94 percent voting record with the Illinois Farm Bureau due to his championship of the issues that directly impact the agriculture industry. Shimkus’ agricultural accomplishments include his support of the Renewable Fuels Reinvestment Tax, sponsorship of the 2011 Open Fuel Standard, the establishment of the 25x’25 Illinois Renewable Energy Alliance, and his unwavering support of the renewable energy and biofuels industries.

The NCERC Biofuels Research Center nominated Shimkus for the award in conjunction with the Illinois Corn Growers, Illinois Renewable Fuels Association, and the Illinois Farm Bureau. NCERC Director John Caupert said the nomination reflects Shimkus’ efforts on behalf of the nearly two-thirds of the St. Louis AgriBusiness Club membership who live and work in Illinois.