Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE) convened its 35th Annual Meeting in Savannah, Ga., Aug. 24-28, bringing together more than 140 leaders, members and guests from across the specialty pesticide and fertilizer industry.
With the theme Many Voices, One Song, the meeting spotlighted the power of storytelling, advocacy, and engagement that have shaped the association’s impact for more than three decades.
Use Your Voice, Stay Aligned
In her opening remarks, RISE President Megan Provost said, “The year ahead will bring new opportunities to share the story of the benefits we bring to people and places. We need every one of you to use your voice, share your story, and stay aligned in our message and our strategy. When we do, our impact grows.”
Focus on Leadership, Trust, and Storytelling
Keynote speaker Scott Mann, a former Green Beret and Lt. Colonel who confronted his own struggles with war, inspired attendees to focus their most important tools–the power of telling their story–to drive change in our organizations.
Specialty Leadership Panel Brings Industry Insight
Industry association leaders presented insights during a Share Your Story panel with Dan Markowski, Ph.D., Technical Advisor, American Mosquito Control Association; Dominique Stumpff, CEO, National Pest Management Association; and Britt Wood, CEO, National Association of Landscape Professionals. They shared how to apply their insights to inspire teams from the top down and use these tools to advocate for our industry.
Recognizing Service and Honoring Volunteers
RISE Governing Board Chair Neil Cleveland and the RISE Executive Committee honored member volunteers for their service to the association and commitment to the specialty industry. They included:
- The association’s highest honor, the E. Allen James Award presented to Kathy Bishop, Lebanon Seaboard.
- Grassroots Excellence Award given to Jim Jensen, Nufarm; and Todd Mason, Sipcam Agro.
- Strategic Driver Award presented to Evan Bortzfield, Envu; and the Digital Label Working Group.
- Outgoing RISE Governing Board Members Jeff Bunting, Growmark, 2023-2025; and Barbara Aguiar, BASF, 2022-2025.
- Outgoing Committee Chair April Allenbrand, Albaugh LLC, Communications Committee.
Investing in the Future: Young Professionals Network
During his remarks, Cleveland introduced nine industry professionals who were attending the annual meeting for the first time.
Cleveland said, “These future leaders and next generation innovators are bringing energy, creativity and fresh perspective into our industry, and are already beginning to shape the path ahead.”
Innovation, Research, and the Road Ahead
General Session 2 Keynote Speaker Brett Sciotto, CEO, Idealyst Innovation, shared his expertise on how to adapt strategically for success within the industry using technology and to ignite potential.
An Innovations in the Industry panel delivered insights, experiences and observations about the importance of science, tech-forward application strategies, climate science and the shifting pest patterns. Panelists were Adam Schapaugh, Ph.D., Bayer Scientific Director; Ed Messina, EPA Director of the Office of Pesticide Programs and Joel Buettner, General Manager, Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District.
The 2025-2026 Governing Board members are Neil Cleveland, PBI-Gordon Corporation, Chair; Todd Mason, Sipcam Agro USA, Vice Chair; John Johnson, Prokoz, Treasurer; Karen Larson, Clarke, Past Chair; Sam Barrick, SePRO; Steven Farrington, Gowan Company; Jim Guard, Bayer Crop Science; Jim Jahr, Helena Agri-Enterprises; Blaine Pinkerton, Nufarm; Scott Reasons, Syngenta; Brian Rowan, SiteOne Landscape Supply; Mark Schneid, Envu; Brent Stauffacher, Corteva Agriscience; Shayne Wetherall, AMGUARD Environmental Technologies; and Edwin Vander Heijden, SBM Life Sciences.
Elected to the Board during the annual meeting were Jim Jahr, Scott Reasons and Edwin Vander Heijden. Steven Farrington was re-elected to another term.
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