Alexandria, Virginia, USA
July 3, 2012
American Seed Trade Association welcomes Blake Curtis, of Curtis & Curtis, Inc., as its new chairman for the 2012/13 fiscal year.
Former Chairman Mike Gumina (right) passes the gavel to Blake Curtis (left) of the New Mexico based Curtis & Curtis, Inc., as he is inducted as chairman of the American Seed Trade Association during its 129th Annual Convention in National Harbor, Md.
The fourth generation New Mexico native was elected chairman during ASTA’s 129th Annual Convention in National Harbor, Md.
“I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve in a leadership position for an organization that represents every facet of the seed industry,” said Curtis who will lead the more than 700 member-company organization.
During his year as chairman, Curtis said two things will be at the forefront. He plans to continue ASTA’s education efforts surrounding intellectual property rights and carrying out the actions steps to the strategic plan.
“It’s incredibly important to continue educating seed companies about the benefits and use of intellectual property rights, as well as helping farmers and ranchers recognize the advantages of those products.
“These efforts allow our scientific community to develop and use new traits, knowing they’re working in a framework that gives them the protections and opportunities to be successful.”
ASTA’s strategic plan was reviewed by the Board of Directors this past year.
“From the strategic plan, we learned about the importance of staying connected with all of the members,” Curtis said. “This isn’t only from a membership perspective and helping companies realize the value of their membership, but more so we can make sure our plan continues to reflect members’ needs and desires.
“If we can do this, we will continue to be a vital resource for members and the entire seed industry.”
Andy LaVigne, ASTA president and chief executive officer, said Curtis has been very politically active at the state level and serving his local community.
“Blake has an incredible grasp on the issues impacting the American seed industry,” LaVigne said. “We are extremely pleased that he brings a strong understanding of the complex issues and political atmosphere we face today.”
Curtis and his brother co-own Curtis & Curtis, Inc. (CCI), founded in 1956 by their parents to supply native grass seeds for a rapidly expanding market in the southwest. CCI’s major emphasis continues to be on native grass seeds and legumes for various applications such as seeding irrigated pastures, range reseeding, mine reclamation and reclamation seeding for highways, pipeline and highline right-of-ways. They also provide seed for golf courses, home lawns and industrial sites.
Curtis earned his BBA from Eastern New Mexico State University and has served in various local, state and national roles. He was a New Mexico state legislator from 1986 – 1995 where he was Minority Caucus Chair, Minority Whip and Minority Leader. Afterwards, he was appointed and served on the New Mexico Fair Commission for six years. In 2006, Curtis was selected as a member of the Board of Regents for New Mexico State University. During his tenure, he served as secretary, vice chair and chair. He is a past president of the New Mexico State Seed Association and currently serving under gubernatorial appointment as a Board Member of the New Mexico Finance Authority. For ASTA, he has served as Southern regional vice president, second vice chair, first vice chair and now chairman.
Craig Newman elected first vice chair
The American Seed Trade Association, during its 129th Annual Convention, elected Craig Newman of AgReliant Genetics, LLC, as first vice chair.
Newman brings more than 30 years of experience to the seed industry and early this month (July) was named president and chief executive officer for AgReliant Genetics, which was founded in 2000.
“Craig brings a great wealth of knowledge and business experience to the table and we look forward to working with him in his new position,” said Andy LaVigne, ASTA president and chief executive officer.
Newman has served on ASTA’s Board of Directors as the second vice chair and Central Region vice president. He has also served as president of the Illinois Seed Dealers Association, on the board of directors for Advance Microelectronics and led the local branch of Old National Bank, and president of the Parish Council of St. Mary Catholic Church.
Newman, a graduate of Purdue University, began his career in the seed industry in 1979 when he joined Akin Seed Company and served in different capacities, including general manager. In 1995, he became general manager of Callahan Seeds, which was later acquired by Rhone-Poulenc.
John Schoenecker elected second vice chair
The American Seed Trade Association elected John Schoenecker of HM.CLAUSE second vice chair during its 129th Annual Convention in National Harbor, Md.
Shoenecker, HM.CLAUSE director of intellectual property, has been serving ASTA in several capacities for a number of years. Most recently, he has co-led the ASTA and Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) joint working group on patent expiration.
“John’s participation and dedication to the association and the furthering of the global seed industry has been a tremendous support through the years,” said Andy LaVigne, ASTA president and chief executive officer. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this position and will help guide ASTA and its Board of Directors for the next six years.”
Schoenecker, originally from Minnesota, resides in California and has been with HM.CLAUSE since 1987. He’s not only been active in ASTA, but also the California Seed Association.
“As a young person thinking about a career, while attracted to agriculture emotionally, I also reasoned that people will always need to eat. A job in agriculture seed to offer job security,” Schoenecker said. “Little did I understand the social and political issues that impact our industry and make up a tremendous portion of our Association’s efforts.
“I have seen a tremendous flowering of the Association and staff during the last couple years, and I would like to thank those who have come before me for their work and insight in attracting the talent and providing the resources ASTA needs to continue serving as the voice for the seed industry.”
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