North Dakota State alumnus named Grand President Award winner
FARGO, N.D. – Feb. 4, 2011 – Tom Lilja is one of four individuals selected to receive the Alpha Gamma Rho Grand President’s Award. He will be honored with the award at 2011 AGR Leadership Seminar in Indianapolis, Ind. which will take place Feb. 25-26. His efforts consistent with the AGR Promise and Values qualified him for this award.Lilja is executive director for North Dakota Corn Growers Association in Fargo, N.D. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from North Dakota State University.
As an active member of his community, Lilja acted as District 27 chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party from 2004 until 2007. In this position he organized poll workers for elections and assisted with election planning and budgets. He has been part of the National Corn Growers Public Policy Action Team since 2008. Lilja was also a 9/11 New York Disaster Relief Volunteer Election Precinct Volunteer.
Through his contributions to agriculture, Lilja has a deep understanding of markets and risk management techniques for growers. He was the Market Analyst for Progressive Ag, the #1 marketing firm in the United States, for the 2004 crop year. He supports a common sense approach to defending ethanol, renewable energy and the corn industry.
Lilja has remained involved with Alpha Gamma Rho by staying active with the Epsilon Alumni Corporation Board. He has served as president, secretary and director, and he acted as a steering committee chair, helping to raise more than $1.7 million during a fundraising project in 2007. Additionally, he has overseen two $80,000 remodeling projects.
Administered and nominated by a selection committee the Grand President’s Award is awarded by AGR for business excellence and professional achievement. It is awarded to specific fraternity alumni age 40 or under who have achieved remarkable success in their professional careers. This award demonstrates an honorable acknowledgement of Lilja’s leadership, professionalism and knowledge of his industry.
