OABA Announces New Awards Initiative

OABA will present three new awards in 2017 to honor excellence, professionalism and achievement among OABA member companies and their employees.

The OABA Awards and Recognition Initiative will distinguish recipients in three areas: Emerging Leaders, Customer Service and Safety/Stewardship. These award categories and the program were approved by the OABA Board of Directors in the fall.

“Honoring winners sets a bar for achievement and illustrates what top-notch professionalism looks like,” said Andy Swerlein, Board Chairman. “Those honored will gain more confidence in their work and serve as examples to others.”

Swerlein added that businesses gain credibility through employee accomplishment, and the whole industry benefits when stories of professionalism and stewardship are shared in local media.

“Telling the stories of our industry’s professionalism is a key benefit of this awards effort,” said Swerlein. “It provides us a way to hold up role models for all our businesses and illustrate more good news for the general public.”

OABA has a history of providing educational opportunities to its member companies and their employees. The OABA Awards Initiative will partner with those offerings and further encourage professionalism among member companies.

“OABA is in a perfect spot to enhance member service by building an effective award and recognition initiative that honors excellence among members, holds those examples up as role models and creates more great stories of agriculture’s professionalism,” said Chris Henney, OABA president and CEO.

OABA is currently seeking financial support from industry partners that are interested in continuing to enhance the agricultural industry and recognize deserving individuals. If you or your company is interested in partnering, please contact Chris Henney at chenney@oaba.net or 614-326-7520, ext. 1 to receive more details, including objectives, plans for publicity and investment.