URBANDALE, Iowa - Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) Director James O. Andrew, who farms near Jefferson in Greene County, was honored during the Bell Tower Festival in Jefferson on June 13 with the Tower of Fame Award.

The intention of the award is “to honor a person who has, through his or her international, national or state achievements in professional and/or civic efforts, brought recognition to a community in Greene County or to the county itself. It serves to show, by example, the far-reaching involvement of people who have, during some part of their lives, called Greene County their home,” according the Web site, www.belltowerfestival.com

Andrew has been involved in ISA in numerous capacities, particularly as a leader in conservation issues. CEO Kirk Leeds congratulated Andrew on behalf of the association for receiving this recognition.

“Jim Andrew willingly takes on many roles – as an advisor, an administrator, a practitioner and an ambassador for agriculture conservation and environmental quality,” Leeds said. “His influence extends far beyond his own community.”

In 2006, for example, Andrew welcomed agriculture leaders, conservationists, researchers and representatives of agribusiness, municipalities and agencies to his farm for the North Central Leadership Summit on Nutrient Management and Water Quality. The goal of the meeting was to reach an understanding of the need for integrated solutions and commitments to action-oriented, practical water quality programs involving all the stakeholders working in the Mississippi River watershed.

Curt Sindergard, president of ISA and a soybean farmer at Rolfe, said, “Jim is, without question, deserving of honor. ISA has benefited from his extensive knowledge of environmental issues and his willingness to work wherever needed. For me personally, it has been a great pleasure to work with Jim. Without exception, he exhibits professionalism and commitment.”