Alan Galbreth


Cindy Wippler

Chicago, IL (July 5, 2019) - AOSCA members and their guests, invited dignitaries, and seed industry representatives recently met at Chicago’s historic Drake Hotel to celebrate the Association’s 100th Anniversary and annual meeting June 23-26, 2019.

The event culminated with a Centennial Gala and Awards Banquet on Tuesday evening, June 25, where two individuals were recognized as Honorary Members for their significant contributions to AOSCA during their careers in seed certification. Nominations for Honorary Membership are submitted along with letters of support, then voted upon by the entire AOSCA membership.

Alan Galbreth, Chief Executive Officer of Indiana Crop Improvement Association, was recognized as an Honorary Member. Alan is nearing retirement from his career of over 40 years with Indiana Crop. He has served on a number of AOSCA committees and served a term as President of the its Board of Directors. In addition, Alan has been involved with other seed industry organizations.

He has served on numerous committees with the American Seed Trade Association, the Indiana Seed Trade Association, the Association of Official Seed Analysts, the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists, and the United States Department of Agriculture by serving on its OECD seed certification committee. Alan has served the entire industry well throughout his long career.

Cindy Wippler, General Manager, Minnesota Crop Improvement Association, was recognized as an AOSCA Honorary Member. Cindy has recently announced her retirement, having served Minnesota Crop for over thirty years. During her career, Cindy has been active on a number of AOSCA committees, often serving as chair. She started working for Minnesota Crop as a seed lab technician while in college and was offered a full-time position after graduation from the University of Minnesota.

Cindy’s work has facilitated seed movement across state and international borders, benefitting both seed companies and farmers alike. Many letters of support mentioned her tireless commitment to seed certification and the seed industry.

Not only was AOSCA celebrating its history at the Banquet, but it was making history as well, as Cindy Wippler is the first woman to be recognized as an AOSCA Honorary Member.

Neither of the two new Honorary Members were aware they would be receiving the recognition and members of both of their families made a surprise entrance to see the awards given and shared the special evening with Alan and Cindy.

AOSCA congratulations both new Honorary Members for their recognition and wishes them the best in their well-earned retirements.