Byong Ryol Min

Board Honors Two Long-Time Employees With Lifetime Achievement Awards

From USGC Global Update, July 30, 2015

Dr. Erick Erickson, U.S. Grains Council (USGC) vice president, and Byong Ryol Min, USGC director in Korea, were honored on Wednesday with lifetime achievement awards for their years of dedicated service to the Council. Members of USGC’s Board of Directors presented the awards to both men during the Council’s 55th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting in Montreal, Canada.

In his 30 years of service to the Council, Erickson has served in a variety of roles including director of global strategies; executive director for membership, administration and communication; director of planning and evaluation; and vice president on two occasions.

“Erick has made many significant contributions to the Council during his tenure,” said USGC Chairman Ron Gray. “His strategic insight into long-term planning has been invaluable to us and helped make our organization successful.”

Erickson plans to retire from the Council on Aug. 7.

Mr. Min, as he is known around the world, has been instrumental in the success of the Council’s programs in Korea since joining the organization in 1977.

Beginning as a dairy management consultant, he has long been the U.S. grains industry’s best conduit to Korean buyers, helping achieve such success as building the Korean swine industry from two hogs per farmer in the 1970s to about 2,000 pigs per producer today.

“Mr. Min has been invaluable in navigating the complex Korean market,” Gray said. “His skills and expertise in understanding the unique political, economic and trade factors that affect his market are greatly appreciated and will be honored and remembered.”

Mr. Min plans to retire from the Council later this year.

The Council Board and membership deeply thank both men for their dedicated service.