Columbus, OH--GEAPS presented its Member of Distinction Award here March 4 to Tom DiGiorgio, Mid-America Chapter, a long-time volunteer leader of the organization and currently its International treasurer.

The award, bestowed for “extraordinary contributions” advancing the GEAPS mission, is the group’s highest honor for members.

“Tom has been involved in literally dozens of GEAPS projects and initiatives for more than 15 years, said John Boswell, chairman of GEAPS International Board.”

"For that alone he might qualify as GEAPS Member of Distinction.

"But he also brings a lot more to the table -- intelligence, experience, purpose, hard work and integrity.”

The award was presented during GEAPS Exchange 2003, the organization’s 74th annual international technical conference and exposition.

DiGiorgio, a member of GEAPS’ Mid-America Chapter, is vice president of loss control and asset management at The Scoular Co., Omaha.

He has been a member and chairman of the Educational Programming Committee, a chapter officer, and a leading sponsor of new members.

He has served on the International Board Nominations Committee, and on the International and Executive boards.

In making the award presentation, Boswell also cited DiGiorgio’s work on GEAPS’ behalf with APOSGRAN, a GEAPS-like grain industry association in Argentina.

Those efforts, Boswell said, have “cemented a lasting relationship between the two organizations, bringing GEAPS more fully into the international realm and vastly expanding our horizons.”

After serving the GEAPS organization for more than a decade, members elected DiGiorgio second vice president.

He moved up the ranks to serve as International President in 2000-2001, and the following year, as International Board Chair.

Last year, he accepted appointment to the office of GEAPS Treasurer.