"We're recognizing outstanding achievement in conservation activities around Indiana," Meinders said. "It is truly exciting to see what is happening in urban and agricultural settings. Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts,   Natural Resource Conservation Service, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, local watershed groups, and conservation organizations are partnering on innovative projects," Meinders added.      

Conservation awards to be presented on Tuesday, January 7, at the evening banquet. The awards include: 

• Supervisor of the Year: will be presented to a county Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor for outstanding and exemplary achievements and leadership in the protection and enhancement of Indiana's soil and water resources. The winner will be announced Jan. 7. The award is sponsored by Indiana Prairie Farmer Magazine.    
• Friend of Conservation: will be presented in three categories: corporate, non-profit and individual. This award recognizes individuals or entities who have made an outstanding contribution to soil and water conservation in Indiana. Brownfield Ag News sponsors this award. 2014 winners are:
• Corporate: Wildlife Land & Resource Management, Sullivan, Ind., Sullivan County
• Nonprofit: Saint Meinrad Archabbey, St. Meinrad, Ind., Spencer County
• Individual: Teri Grossman, Fountain City, Ind., Wayne County   
• Conservation Farmer of the Year: will be presented to a Soil and Water Conservation District member. It honors a Hoosier farmer who actively incorporates and practices conservation on the land. Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc. sponsors this award. The winner is:
• Roger Verhey, Tippecanoe County Soil and Water Conservation District      
• District Showcase of the Year: will be presented to two Soil and Water Conservation Districts for 2013. The Award showcases how local Districts who are partnering with traditional and nontraditional groups, businesses, governmental agencies, local officials and volunteers to achieve their conservation goals. The winners are:
• Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Fall Creek Watershed Partnership     
• Star Awards: will be presented by the Indiana District Employees Association to eight Soil and Water Conservation District staff for their outstanding work serving constituents and conservation partners in 2013. The winners are: 
• Ethel Turkowski, LaPorte County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Nancy Brown, Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Marlene Raisor, Hendricks County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Chanda Hiatt, Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Meg Leader, Vermillion County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Kim Jolly, Ripley County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Jeri Ziliak, Posey County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Marsha Ralston, Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District   
• Indiana Earth Team Award: Presented by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to the Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District and volunteers for 2013 conservation volunteer work at the local level.   

The three-day Annual Conference convenes Monday, January 6, with Josh Seehorn, fresh off of his trek across the U.S. to promote the North American Envirothon. Sustainable agriculture production systems will be the focus of the second keynote address on Monday. Rochelle Ripp Schnadt, communications specialist with the Wisconsin Discovery Farms, will highlight the exciting work the Discovery Farms is doing at the Welcome Luncheon. 

Tuesday's General Session on January 7 provides important tools to help any organization become more effective.  Crucial Conversations; Tools for Talking When Stakes are High is all about how to Get Unstuck with Best Practice Skills for High-Stakes Interactions. The conference concludes on Wednesday, January 8, with Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann addressing the group's Legislative Breakfast at 7:30 a.m.

The complete agenda is available in the conference brochure. Registration and other information on the conference is available online, or check onsite at the registration desk that will be located on the second floor of the Indianapolis Marriott, 350 W. Maryland, Indianapolis, 46225