The Board of the Australian Beef Industry Foundation (ABIF) have conferred Life Membership on Jason Strong, CEO of AACo, in recognition of his many years as ABIF Chairman.
In making the presentation at a dinner at Marcus Oldham College on 01st July the current ABIF Chairman John Gunthorpe said “ABIF is in debt to the years of effort Jason gave to our Foundation in providing scholarships and other activities to inspire careers in the beef industry.”
“Our board in awarding this Life membership to Jason recognised the difficult circumstances voluntary board members face when giving of their time to a charity such as ABIF and the zeal and commitment Jason demonstrated in leading our company. “
“Jason has now taken on a role to lead Australia’s largest beef company. Our board wishes Jason every success and are confident that he will perform this role with the same zeal and commitment displayed in his time with us” Mr Gunthorpe said.
The ceremony to award Jason Strong with Life Membership was conducted as part of the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program.
In accepting the award Mr Strong said “There is no service more rewarding than providing young members of our industry with the ability to expand their knowledge and networks in the formative period of their development. My career was changed when I won a scholarship to the United States and spent some time with a meat scientist understanding the US grading system.”
“This motivated me to return to Australia and devote the next few years of my career to developing a meat grading system reflecting eating quality for our consumer. This resulted in my becoming part of the team that formulated Meat Standards Australia. I encourage all here to find their special area of interest within our industry and follow your passion.”
Mr Strong was the honorary guest speaker at the event attended by ABIF board members and scholars of the leadership program, including seven scholars sponsored by ABIF. In his presentation Mr Strong discussed the qualities needed to lead Australia’s largest beef producer, AACo.
Pictured: Jason Strong, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Australian Agricultural Company with John Gunthorpe, Chairman ABIF
Contact: John Gunthorpe, Chairman ABIF
E: jgunthorpe@bigpond.com
T: 0400 403 456
