Twelve of the top performers in ag retail have been awarded the honor of being selected for the Agricultural Retailers Association Rising Stars Class of 2015.

The Rising Stars program began in 2013 to recognize high achievers and develop future leaders in the agriculture retail industry.  Member companies have the opportunity to introduce new leaders to the ARA and the annual conference.

The Rising Stars Class of 2015 includes:

Joe Bridges, J.R. Simplot Company
Ryan Brooks, MFA Inc.
Wes Carmony, Yargus Manufacturing
Tom Curtiss, International Raw Materials Ltd.
Mike Griffel, J.R. Simplot Company
Josh Hilbrands, South Dakota Wheat Growers
Kelly Kliner, J.R. Simplot Company
Nathan Locken, South Dakota Wheat Growers
John McCool, DuPont Crop Protection
Ashlee Rankin, Precision Laboratories, LLC
Seth Shaw, J.R. Simplot Company
Kathy Westcott, Crop Production Services, Inc.

A special reception was held by Yargus Manufacturing during the ARA Conference and Expo to honor their achievements.