ISU-NAMA Places Second in National Marketing Competition

Illinois State University's student chapter of the National Agri-Marketing Association (ISU-NAMA) placed second out of 31 teams in the recent National Agri-Marketing Competition.  The competition was part of the national NAMA Convention held in Kansas City, April 22 and 23.            

The competition brought together teams from across the nation to present marketing plans for new and innovative value added agricultural products.  Illinois State's entry was horticultural mulch made from the glycerin by-product of bio-diesel production.  The product not only benefits home gardeners but also adds value to soybeans. Professionals from a variety of agribusinesses, advertising agencies and agricultural publications served as judges for the competition. 

ISU- NAMA was awarded third place in the Chapter Excellence Award, based on the chapter's activities during the academic year, and fourth place in the John Deere Signature Award competition, based on chapter activities, performance in the marketing competition and student academic performance.  The chapter also received special recognition for its career development activities.

Members of the ISU- NAMA marketing team were Matt Thompson, Greenview; Jacquie Holland, Apple River; Justin Skinner, Loami; Weston Meteer, Blue Mound; Carlos Pegnato, Orland Park; Kristin Apple, Rockford; Nick Ramirez, Springfield; Ryan Franklin, Danville; and Travis Bressner, Fairbury.

ISU-NAMA faculty advisors are Aslihan Spaulding, associate professor of agribusiness, and Rick Whitacre, professor of agricultural economics, in Illinois State's Department of Agriculture.