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Charles F. Conner - 1998
Otterbein, Indiana
B. S., Agricultural Economics, 1980
From the time he graduated from Purdue until May of 1997, Mr. Conner was a
trusted advisor to America's lawmakers in Washington. Today, he is president
of the Corn Refiners Association, representing the nine wet-millers of corn
in the United States. Together, these nine companies refine about 1.5 billion
bushels of the U.S. corn crop into high fructose corn syrup, ethanol, and other
starch-based corn products.
Early in his career, Mr. Conner served as counselor to U.S. Senator Richard
Lugar on several facets of agricultural economics, establishing himself as
an instrumental voice for agricultural policy improvement. In 1985, he became
a professional staff member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry while maintaining his responsibilities to Senator
Lugar. In January
of 1987, he became Minority Staff Director of the same committee, helping
to promote the 1990 Food Security Act and the Farm Credit Assistance Act
of 1988
among others. By 1995, Mr. Conner was the Majority Staff Director of the
committee, and lists the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform (FAIR)
Act of 1996
among his major accomplishments.
Determined not to become caught up in the detached, distant mindset reputed
of many Washington insiders, Conner always sought to maintain a balance
with the Midwest during his service. Never forget-ting his alma mater,
be continually
sought advice from expert Purdue staff to promote key legislation and supported
programs, in affiliation with Purdue, designed to educate future agricultural
leaders. Mr. Conner refused to ignore the needs of this vital industry
and pursued legislation designed to assist those that feed and clothe the
nation
and the world -- American agriculturists.
Despite his commitments in our nation's capitol, Mr. Conner finds time
to operate a 1,500 acre corn and soybean operation in Benton County,
Indiana. He also
maintains a herd of 100 registered Angus cows in Whitley County, Indiana,
completing the spectrum of his widespread agricultural understanding.
For contributions to his profession and community, and for bringing distinction
to his alma mater, Purdue University School of Agriculture is proud
to present the Distinguished Alumnus Award to Mr. Charles F. Conner.
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