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May 24, 2014

IMEF Awards Scholarships to KSU StudentIMEF logo

Lenexa, KanJodi Robertssas – Jodi Roberts, a junior at Kansas State University, was announced as the first recipient of the IMEF Christian F. Kongsore Scholarship and a recipient of the IMEF Scholarship at the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Annual Conference & Expo in Omaha, Nebraska. Each scholarship in the amount of $2,500 will assist in covering her tuition expenses for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Roberts is working toward a degree in milling science and management. While a student, she serves as the activities coordinator of the Multicultural Honor Society, and volunteers at a local equestrian center and through the School of Leadership studies at K-State. She is also the treasurer of the Milling Science Club.
In her application, Roberts noted that she was “hooked” on milling after her first tour of the Hal Ross Mill. She was selected to attend K-State’s study abroad program at the Swiss Milling School in Uzwil, Switzerland, for the fall 2014 semester, and she expects to graduate with her milling science degree in December 2015.

In addition to a degree in milling science, Jodi is pursuing two minors in leadership studies and business administration, which will provide her additional knowledge and skills in her career in the milling industry. Roberts interned at Horizon Milling in Albany NY, last year, and is interning at the Ardent Mills’ facility in Chattanooga, Tenn., during the summer of 2014.

The Christian F. Kongsore Scholarship was established in 2013, with a donation from Grain Millers, Inc., a company that Kongsore co-founded. Born in Oslo, Norway in 1927, Kongsore worked at his family’s flour mill as a second generation miller and later moved to the US. He graduated from K-State with a degree in milling science in 1954. He not only dedicated his life to the milling profession, but also to its people. Kongsore is honored to be able to lend his name to such a wonderful cause – providing education to future grain science and milling students.

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May 5, 2014

IMEF Awards 3 Professional Scholarships
Lenexa, Kansas – Steve Carpenter, Ryan Legge and Md Abu Zahid were selected as the recipients of the International Milling Education Foundation (IMEF) Scholarship Program for Professionals. The scholarships will provide tuition for Legge and Zahid to take the IAOM Correspondence Course in Flour Milling over the course of the next two years, and for Carpenter to enroll in a resident milling course. All three recipients noted that by completing their respective courses, they hope to complement their existing knowledge and expertise.

Steve Carpenter, GrSteve Carpenterain Craft

Steve has been with Grain Craft (formerly Pendleton Flour Mills)  in Blackfoot, Idaho, for
15 years, working his way up from an entry-level position to one of four shift millers. As an active member of IAOM since 2005, Steve has strengthened his knowledge of flour milling through attendance at district meetings, service on the district executive committee, and study of the IAOM Correspondence Course in Flour Milling.

Legge


Ryan Legge, Ardent Mills

Ryan earned a doctorate in food science and technology and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska. At Ardent Mills, Ryan is responsible for food quality and safety. Ryan hopes to acquire the technical milling knowledge to augment his food science background to find innovative solutions to address food safety and quality issues in milling.

 

 Md. Abu Zahid, Bashundhara FoodEngr. Md. Abu Zahid & Beverage Industries Ltd.

Md Abu has a master’s degree in industrial and production engineering from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is described as a quick learner and eager to enhance his knowledge of the flour milling industry. He has been responsible for the completion of several engineering projects for the facility, and he is always working with the contractors to determine the best design for the particular application.

The IMEF Scholarship program was established in 2008 to support the education of undergraduates in the sciences of grain milling. In 2012, the program was expanded to include training opportunities for professionals already working in the industry.

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May 16, 2013

Grain Millers, Inc. Endows Scholarship with $100,000 Donation to IMEF

Overland Park, Kansas – During the IMEF Breakfast as the 117th Annual IAOM Conference & Expo in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Keith Horton, Grain Millers, Inc., announced the company’s intentions to establish an endowed scholarship with a donation of $100,000 to the International Milling Education Foundation.

“Grain milling is one of the oldest professions in the world and with an ever-increasing world population, milling will remain a most life sustaining profession. Promoting our profession and motivating future generations to seek careers in milling is critical,” Horton explained.

Keith Horton, Grain Millers, Inc., announces a $100,000 donation to IMEF at the breakfast on May 1, 2013, in Niagara Falls, Ontario

“Like so many other milling companies, Grain Millers Inc. and its board of directors recognizes the importance of our industry and the individuals who will lead it into the future,” Horton continued. “In today’s high-tech world, it is more necessary than ever that we provide the best opportunities for a quality education in milling, while also continuing to teach future generations the ‘art’ of milling.  Investing in the education of future millers and grain science students has never been more important and should be a priority to us all.”

The endowed scholarship will be the first one established under the umbrella of the IMEF.

“We are excited about what this donation does to expand the IMEF Scholarship Program and the additional support it affords to grain milling students,” stated IMEF President Joel Hoffa. “We have had tremendous support from across the industry for IMEF, but this level of commitment by Grain Millers is significant to the continued success of IMEF.”

The Christian F. Kongsore Scholarship will be presented to a qualified grain milling student by Grain Millers Inc., on an annual basis beginning in the fall semester of 2014. The amount of the annual award will be $5,000. More details and an application form will be posted at iaom2018.flywheelsites.com/imef.

About Grain Millers, Inc.

For more than 20 years Grain Millers, Inc. has been a leading manufacturer of conventional and organic whole grain ingredients used in cereals, breads, bars and many other products served around the world. These grains include oats, wheat, barley and rye, which we mill into flours, flakes, brans and fibers. Their portfolio of products also includes dairy ingredients such as butter, cheese, cream, and dairy powders such as lactose, whey and buttermilk.

Grain Millers, Inc. sells a variety of specialized ingredients such as organic industrial alcohol, molasses, soy beans, flax and tapioca. Grain Millers, Inc., was co-founded over 25 years ago by Christian F. Kongsore, a graduate of the Kansas State University milling industry program.

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May 10, 2013

2 KSU Students Receive IMEF Scholarships

Overland Park, Kansas – Karl Janke and Brad Schultz, students at Kansas State University, were announced as the recipients of the International Milling Education Foundation (IMEF) Scholarship at the IMEF Breakfast on May 1, during the IAOM Annual Conference & Expo in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. The scholarship will assist in covering their tuition expenses for the 2013-2014 academic year.

Karl Janke

Janke is a sophomore working toward a degree in milling science and management. While a student, he is also working part-time as a lab assistant at the Bio-Materials and Technology Lab on campus. Janke interned at Bay State Milling in Mooresville, NC, last year, and plans to intern at ConAgra’s facility in Hastings, Minnesota during the summer of 2013.

Sandy Klein, advisor to the College of Agriculture Ambassador program, stated that she is impressed with the level of commitment Karl puts toward his activities and organizations.

“While many students are hesitant to take on extra responsibilities, Karl sought one of the most demanding officer roles within the ag ambassador organization…He was responsible for developing and leading weekly classes teaching students about all facets of the K-State College of Agriculture,” Klein explained. “This role requires a student who is well organized, friendly and assertive and mature enough to lead and evaluate their peers objectively.”

Schultz is a junior working toward a degree in milling science and management, with a minor in business.

Brad Schultz is the second recipient of an IMEF Scholarship for the 2013-14 academic year.

In addition to an internship at the Hal Ross Flour Mill at Kansas State University, Schultz interned at Horizon Milling in Wichita, Kan., and plans to intern at Quaker Oats in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, during the summer of 2013.

While working at the Hal Ross Mill, Schultz was tasked with a couple of abstract milling projects: sifting broccoli powder and grinding raisin stems.

“I had to use knowledge obtained in the classroom to creatively fashion a process in which I could successfully sift the products,” Schultz noted in his application statement. “I was also responsible for various other projects, such as revamping the 5S system at the mill.”

According to Quenten Allen, Schultz’s supervisor at the Hal Ross Mill, “In action, he’s a great leader and has an amazing understanding of what it takes to motivate people In addition to technical ability, Brad has a great spirit for innovation and improvement,”

The IMEF Scholarship program was established to support the education of undergraduates in the sciences of grain milling. IMEF is the philanthropic partner of IAOM. IMEF solicits, manages and distributes funds for educational programs related to the grain milling industry. Established in 2003, the Foundation’s mission is to strengthen the grain milling industry through educational programs, professional development efforts and research projects. Priorities include:

  • Assist to create an international certificate program,
  • Develop multimedia online educational courses,
  • Create a “Career Kit” and industry recruitment materials, and
  • Provide assistance for educational material translations.

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IMEF Awards 3 Professional Scholarships

Overland Park, Kansas – Dan Ramseyer, Benjamin Ruch and Julie Wavinak were selected as the first recipients of the International Milling Education Foundation (IMEF) Scholarship Program for Professionals. The scholarships will provide tuition for all three professionals to take the IAOM Correspondence Course in Flour Milling over the course of the next two years.

Dan has a bachelor’s degree in food science from the University of Idaho and a master’s in food science from Washington State University. He is currently employed as a team leader quality at ConAgra’s mill in Saginaw, Texas. He has been with ConAgra since May 2011. With his background in cereal chemistry and wheat quality, Dan has a good understanding of the biochemical properties of wheat/flour and the effect of those properties on milling and baking characteristics.

Benjamin is a lab technician at ConAgra’s Martins Creek, Penn., facility. He has been there for one year. Prior to his job at ConAgra, Benjamin worked at Wegman’s Food Market while completing a bachelor’s degree in biology at Millersville University.

Julie is the laboratory manager at ConAgra’s plant in Loudonville, Ohio. She has a bachelor’s degree in food science from Iowa State University.

All three recipients noted that they hope to gain a greater understanding of the milling process through completion of the IAOM Correspondence Course in Flour Milling in order to complement their existing knowledge and expertise in other areas of food processing and cereal chemistry.

The IMEF Scholarship program was established in 2008 to support the education of undergraduates in the sciences of grain milling. In 2012, the program was expanded to include training opportunities for professionals already working in the industry.

IMEF is the philanthropic partner of IAOM. IMEF solicits, manages and distributes funds for educational programs related to the grain milling industry. Established in 2003, the Foundation’s mission is to strengthen the grain milling industry through educational programs, professional development efforts and research projects. Priorities include:
• Create an international certificate program,
• Develop multimedia online educational courses,
• Create a “Career Kit” and industry recruitment materials,
• Provide IAOM Conference travel grants for professional management speakers,
• Provide assistance for educational material translations, and
• Collaborate on a milling economics short course.

 

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IAOM Elects International Officers

Lenexa, Kansas – At the annual meeting of the International Association of Operative Millers in Omaha, Neb., the 118-year-old association elected its officers for the coming year. Damon Sidles, plant manager at Miller Milling Company, in Fresno, Calif., became the 110th president; Roy Loepp, director of quality with Seaboard Overseas and Trading Group in Shawnee Mission, Kan., was elected vice president; and Brad Allen, vice president and operations lead with Ardent Mills in Denver, Colo., was elected treasurer.

sidlesDamon Sidles, plant manager, Miller Milling Company

Sidles has been an active member of IAOM since 1993. He represented the Golden West District on the IAOM board of directors from 2008-2012, and has served as a member of the IAOM Technical Committee since 2000. He served as treasurer of the association from 2012-13; and vice president from 2013-14, during which time he was also president of the International Milling Education Foundation (IMEF), a philanthropic partner of IAOM. Sidles has served as a trustee of the Foundation since it was established in 2003.

During the banquet, Sidles announced the theme for his presidency: “Building and Sustaining our Organization.”

Sidles is a native of Great Bend, Kan. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1991, with a degree in milling science and management. Upon graduation, he joined ConAgra Mills and moved with the company from plants in Decatur, Ala., Wabasha, Minn., Alton, Ill., Blackwell, Okla., and Oakland, Calif. In 1997, he started working at Miller Milling in Fresno, Calif., and took over as the facility’s plant manager in 2000. Sidles also serves on the board of the California Wheat Commission.

loeppRoy Loepp, director of quality, Seaboard Overseas and Trading Group

As vice president, Loepp will be responsible for overseeing preparations for the Association’s 2015 conference in Palm Springs, Calif. He is in line to serve as the Association’s president from 2015-2016. Loepp has been an active member of IAOM since 1990.

Loepp has served as a member of the IAOM Education Committee since 2000. While serving as IAOM vice president, Loepp will also be president of the International Milling Education Foundation (IMEF), a philanthropic partner of IAOM that funds a variety of educational programs related to the grain milling industry.

Loepp is a native of Inman, Kan. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1989, with a degree in milling science and management. Upon graduation, he joined Cargill, Inc., as a production manager, and worked with the company in plants in Topeka, Kan., and Springfield, Ill.  In 1995, he took a milling technologist position at Seaboard Corporation in Shawnee Mission, Kan. Since then, he has served numerous divisions of Seaboard with roles in engineering, operations, and technical services. Loepp holds an MBA from the University of Kansas.

Brad AllenBrad Allen, vice president and operations lead, Ardent Mills

As treasurer, Allen will be responsible for overseeing preparations for the Association’s 2015 and 2016 conferences in Palm Springs, Calif., and Columbus, Ohio, respectively.  He is also in line to serve as the Association’s president from 2016-2017. Allen has been an active member of IAOM since 1996.

Allen has served as a member of the IAOM Employee Relations Committee since 2002. While serving as IAOM treasurer, he will also be vice president of the International Milling Education Foundation (IMEF), a philanthropic partner of IAOM that funds a variety of educational programs related to the grain milling industry.

Allen is a native of Independence, Mo. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Central Missouri State University, in Warrensburg, Mo., and an executive MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. In 1981, he joined Cargill Animal Nutrition. Over the subsequent 14 years, he held several management positions in Minneapolis, Minn., Winnipeg, MB, and Mentone, Ind., for Cargill. In 1996, he joined ConAgra Mills, as an operations manager for their flour milling operations in Alton, Ill., Chester Ill., and North Kansas City, Mo. plants. Since 2000, Allen has served as vice president of manufacturing for ConAgra Mills. In 2014, he was appointed vice president and operations lead for Ardent Mills – a new premier flour milling company that combines the operations of ConAgra Mills and Horizon Milling, a Cargill-CHS joint venture. Allen is a member of AIB International’s board of trustees.

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January 29, 2013

VAA Announces Promotions

VAA, LLC is pleased to announce the following promotions: Quin Vincent to Senior Associate; Andrew LaPalme, PE, LEED® AP to Associate; and Ben Severtson, PE to Associate. Quin is a Senior Civil Engineering Designer specializing in rail design for agricultural and industrial projects. Andrew is a Senior Civil Engineer working on numerous projects in the commercial, agricultural and industrial fields. Ben specializes in structural engineering for retail and distribution centers along with architecturally sophisticated buildings.

VAA provides professional design services on a variety of project types throughout the continental United States, Canada, and Central America. Our team provides total project delivery services including Civil and Structural Engineering; Bulk Material Storage Design; General Arrangements; Mechanical and Electrical Engineering; Industrial Architecture and Engineering; Engineering Construction Administration; Master Planning and Feasibility Studies.

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