More than 980 in attendance at 128th annual IAOM conference and expo
Millers from 25 countries gathered in Salt Lake City, UT, April 15-19, for the 127th International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Conference and Expo. Attendance was more than 1,000, and there was more than 980, and there were 140 trade show exhibitors.
Peter Levangie, president and CEO of Bay State Milling, presented the conference keynote address on the milling industry’s future challenges and opportunities.
IMEF silent/live auctions. The International Milling Education Foundation (IMEF) silent and live auctions were held during the conference and expo and raised over $85,000, which included winning bids and pledged donations from the industry.
The IMEF is a philanthropic partner of IAOM that funds a variety of educational programs related to the grain milling industry.
The auctions held during IAOM’s evening banquet and awards ceremony are helping the IMEF edge ever closer to its goal of $3 million (see p. 20).
Award Winners
Milling Operative of the Year
Justin Barrett, technical miller, Ardent Mills, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of his company, and the industry from an operating point of view.
Barrett was described as a dedicated innovator and enthusiastic mentor over his more than 20-year career.
In presenting the award, Scott Martin, senior director of technical milling at Ardent Mills, said Barrett “not only provided invaluable support and guidance to multiple locations across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada, but has also been instrumental in executing some of the most ambitious mill improvement projects in recent history.”
Aspiring Miller Award
Halsey Elliott, General Mills, received the Aspiring Miller Award, which recognizes exceptional under-30-year-old milling professionals who already have made important contributions to their companies. Elliott is the first female award winner in IAOM history.
George B. Wagner Memorial Award
Dr. Subramanyam Bhadriraju, Kansas State University (KSU), was recognized for his contributions to the milling industry and IAOM in the areas of sanitation and food protection.
Thaddeus B. Bownik Outstanding Service Award
Tom Reed, REPCO, IAOM Allied Trades Committee chairman, was presented with this award for his outstanding service to the milling industry and IAOM.
Gold Medal Award
The 24th Gold Medal Award, IAOM’s highest honor, was presented posthumously to Joel R. Hoffa, a past IAOM president whose milling career spanned nearly 50 years. Hoffa died Dec. 17, 2023 at the age of 67 after a lengthy cancer battle.
Hoffa’s longtime colleague, Jeff Gwirtz of JAG Services Inc., presented and accepted the award on behalf of Hoffa’s family.
“The responsibility bestowed on me is bittersweet as we posthumously celebrate a person not just of exceptional professional caliber, but also a dear friend and esteemed colleague,” Gwirtz said.
Hoffa served as IAOM president in 2013-14 and was the honorary chair of the association’s 2022 Conference & Expo in Minneapolis. An IAOM member since 1982, Hoffa was a longtime member of the association’s technical committee. In 2018, he received the IAOM Distinguished Service Award for his exemplary service to the organization and the milling industry.
2024-25 Officers
President
Fran Churchill, professor of practice in milling science at KSU, Manhattan, was elected 2024-25 president. She is the first female president in IAOM history.
She received her bachelor’s degree in milling science and management-operations from KSU, and she also holds a master’s degree in mathematics education from the University of Tennessee.
As IAOM vice president, Churchill will oversee the association’s 2024 conference to be held April 15-19 in Salt Lake City, UT. She is in line to serve as the association’s president in 2024-25. She has been an active member of IAOM since 2013.
Steve Matson, director of operations, Bay State Milling, Minneapolis, MN, who served as IAOM president in 2023-24, becomes immediate past president.
“I am deeply honoured to serve as the first female president of IAOM,” stated Churchill. “This role is not just a personal milestone but a symbol of the progressive strides we are making in the milling industry. As we look forward, our focus will be on fostering innovation and inclusivity within our community.”
Vice President
Jennifer Harnish, chief human resources officer, PHM Brands, Denver, CO, was elected 2023-24 treasurer.
She is the third woman electred to the IAOM board/executive committee.
Harnish has worked in the milling industry since 2003 with ConAgra Foods, Ardent Mills, and PHM Brands.
She received her bachelor’s degree in communications from Marquette University and masters in business administration from National Louis University. She has been an active member of IAOM since 2013. As IAOM vice president, Harnish will oversee the association’s 2025 conference to be held April 28-May 2 in Oklahoma City, OK. She is in line to serve as the association’s president in 2025-26.
Treasurer
Mike Wiechman, director of milling technology, ADM, Salina, KS, was elected 2024-25 treasurer.
Wiechman is a long-time IAOM member and the 2018 Milling Operative of the Year.
Conference Sponsors
Platinum
• Bühler.
Gold
• General Mills.
• Behn + Bates (Haver & Boecker).
Silver
• Corbion.
• Great Western Manufacturing.
• REPCO.
• Douglas Products.
• IFC.
Bronze
• Anton Paar.
• Blower Engineering.
• Custom Concrete Specialists.
• Gelpac.
• Kice Industries, Inc.
• Milling and Grain.
• Milling Journal.
• Norvell.
• Premier Tech.
• Sefar.
• Structural Restoration.
• Swisca AG.
• Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions, Inc.
Cornhole Sponsors
• 360 Roll Works.
• BDI Bearing Distributors.
• Cardinal Products.
• FlexSack.
• Food Express, Inc.
• IFC.
• REPCO.
• Scherer, Inc.
• Synergy Milling Contractors.
• Technipes/Cordano.
Guest Program Sponsors
• 360 Roll Works.
• Norvell.
• REPCO.
• Scherer, Inc.
• Synergy Milling Contractors.
Women in Milling Sponsors
• ADM.
• Ardent Mills.
• Bartlett Milling Co.
• Bay State Milling Company.
• Didion Milling.
• General Mills.
• Grain Craft.
• Mennel Milling.
• Miller Milling.
• Panhandle Milling.
• Siemer Milling Company.
• Snavely’s.
Countries Represented
• Australia.
• Belgium
• Brazil.
• Cameroon
• Canada.
• China.
• Colombia.
• Denmark.
• Dominican Republic.
• France.
• Germany.
• Guatemala.
• Haiti.
• Hungary.
• Italy.
• Japan.
• Mexico.
• Panama
• Poland.
• Spain.
• Switzerland.
• Turkey.
• Ukraine.
• United Kingdom.
• United States.