NCGA’s Tolman Reelected MARC2000 Chairman (1-9-05)

The Midwest Area Rivers Coalition 2000 (MARC2000) reelected National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Chief Executive Officer Rick Tolman as chairman for 2006.

MARC2000 is an organization that is focused on modernizing locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers in order to increase efficiency and reliability in shipping while maintaining and environmentally sound river system.

“It is an honor to be reelected by the MARC2000 Board of Directors,” Tolman said. “MARC2000 is an important association for NCGA to have a partnership with, and I look forward to leading the charge, along with our corn grower leaders, to push for Senate passage of the Water Resources Development Act this year. WRDA is extremely important to ensure an efficient and reliable transportation system and guarantee that America stays competitive in the world marketplace.”

WRDA passed the House by an overwhelming margin in July 2005, indicating the bill has wide bipartisan support. NCGA and MARC2000 are ramping up efforts this winter and spring to bring the bill to the Senate floor.

WRDA has broad support among several industries. The Audubon Society, Upper Mississippi River Basin Association, and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, in addition to several agricultural and shipping industries, support the bill.

“Under Mr. Tolman's leadership, our coalition achieved what was unthinkable just a year ago - walking the halls of Capitol Hill with leading environmental advocates as our allies,” said Paul C. Rohde, President of MARC 2000. “The active advocacy of NCGA members and other coalition members, taking our messages to Congressional offices directly led to the July passage of WRDA in the House, and the overwhelming defeat of amendments aimed at stripping the upper Miss provisions. I look forward to bringing the same results home from the Senate this year, with NCGA at the helm.”