Ohio AgriBusiness Association Announces 2025 Industry Excellence Awards Recipients
Recipients to be Recognized at Upcoming 2025 Industry Conference
The Ohio AgriBusiness Association is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Industry Excellence Awards:
- 2025 Excellence in Customer Service – Andrea Jenkins, Centerra Co-op
- 2025 Achievement as an Emerging Leader – Ben Hastings, Centerra Co-op
- 2025 Excellence in Safety & Stewardship – Randy Digby, Legacy Farmers Cooperative
Award recipients will be recognized at the 2025 OABA Industry Conference on Jan. 29. Winners will receive a plaque and $1,000 cash award, sponsored by Assured Partners – J.H. Ward Agency.
OABA has a distinguished history of serving the agricultural industry and its members through advocacy, policy leadership and educational programs. The Industry Excellence Awards honor excellence, professionalism and achievement among OABA member companies and their employees, thereby encouraging that same excellence in others.
“Recognizing exceptional individuals like Andrea, Ben and Randy underscores the values that drive our industry forward,” said Melinda Witten, President and CEO of OABA. “These award winners demonstrate the innovation, leadership, and dedication that keep Ohio’s agribusiness thriving.”
Excellence in Customer Service
The Excellence in Customer Service Award is presented to an individual who goes “above and beyond” in their service to customers in order to define what excellent customer service looks like and recognize those whose contributions may often go unnoticed. The 2025 award recipient is Andrea Jenkins of Sullivan, Ohio.
Jenkins, credit analyst at Centerra Co-op, consistently ensures her customers’ needs are met, often going beyond her formal job responsibilities to provide exceptional service. Known for her ability to build strong client relationships, she has been instrumental in fostering trust and loyalty within the customer base. “Andrea’s professionalism and dedication make her a shining example of customer service excellence,” said Trent Ardrey, CFO of Centerra Co-op.
Achievement as an Emerging Leader
The Achievement as an Emerging Leader Award is presented to an individual who represents the spirit of leadership as a growing agribusiness professional. Leadership is often difficult to define in everyday business activities, but it remains an important ability to cultivate. The 2025 award recipient is Ben Hastings of West Salem, Ohio.
Hastings, propane site manager and service technician at Centerra Co-op, has demonstrated exemplary leadership in implementing new technologies, managing operations and mentoring his team. Beyond his professional contributions, Hastings actively volunteers with local 4-H groups, sharing his knowledge and encouraging young agriculturalists. “Ben’s leadership and commitment to excellence inspire everyone around him,” said Matt Fugate, VP of propane at Centerra Co-op.
Excellence in Safety & Stewardship
The Excellence in Safety & Stewardship Award is presented to an individual who exemplifies outstanding dedication to fostering a safe and responsible workplace while demonstrating exceptional stewardship. The 2025 award recipient is Randy Digby of Findlay, Ohio.
Digby, safety manager at Legacy Farmers Cooperative, has been a steadfast advocate for improving workplace safety and implementing robust safety protocols. His efforts have significantly enhanced the well-being of employees and the operational integrity of numerous business activities. “Randy’s dedication to safety and stewardship serves as a benchmark for the entire industry,” said Mark Sunderman, president and CEO of Legacy Farmers Cooperative.
2025 OABA Industry Conference
The three-day Industry Conference event, Jan. 28-30 at the Columbus Renaissance Westerville, is packed with widely respected speakers and industry professionals, sharing their expertise on a variety of topics relating to agronomy, grain and feed, safety and more. More details are available at www.oaba.net/events_conference.