The U.S. Grains Council has been blessed over the years with many partners who have devoted years of loyal service to the cause of export promotion. But even for the Council, 25 years of service is exceptional, and at the Charleston International Marketing Conference we are privileged to recognize two such individuals.

At the Washington Grain Commission, Program Director Mary Sullivan “has been an excellent resource and longtime friend within the barley industry,” according to Tom Sleight, USGC president and CEO.

“She has given direction to our food uses and barley malt programs, hosted teams, and represented U.S. growers and the U.S. barley sector on critically important efforts like the 2000 and 2002 Japan Barley Producers Missions and the 2007 Feed and Food Barley Market Assessment Team to Japan.”

Sleight also praised Sullivan for “going to bat for our export programs” with decision makers and for leadership on farm policy.

“Mary has always been here for exports,” Sleight says.

“In Rodney Weinzierl’s (pictured left) 25 years of work with the Council, he has been a cherished friend and advisor,” according to Sleight. “Rodney has had exposure to the breadth of Council programs over the years. From assessing the Council initial involvement in Vietnam to gauging the future competitiveness of the Ukraine, Rod has ‘almost’ seen it all.”

Sleight also cited Weinzierl’s key role over the years in addressing infrastructure and trade policy issues that affect exports.

“His leadership on infrastructure problems facing the export industry, bringing that issue to the forefront, has been stellar, making the strong connection between infrastructure improvement and U.S. competitiveness as an exporter.”

Sleight concluded, “He has given timely advice, and at the same time he has really stood up a strong and impactful relationship between the Council and Illinois corn farmers.”