Leawood, Kansas – The National Agri‑Marketing Association (NAMA) announced this week that two Kansas‑based professionals have earned its 2026 Professional Development Awards of Excellence. The awards, presented at NAMA Nexus in Des Moines, Iowa, celebrate members who demonstrate outstanding achievement in marketing communications, product management, public relations, or sales.
Award winners
Doug Monson, Vice President of Agriculture at Forward Minded Media, received the award for Marketing Communications. Over the past 18 months, Monson has generated more than $1 million in sales while building the agency’s agriculture practice from the ground up. His 25‑plus years of experience in journalism, publishing, and agricultural communications have helped the firm expand its client portfolio and become a trusted national partner for agribusinesses.
Monson also serves on NAMA’s national Student Committee, recently as vice chair, and participated in the 2025‑26 mentoring program, guiding a newcomer to the industry.
Laura Rustmann, Director of Marketing and Sales for J.L. Farmakis, Inc., was honored for Sales. In more than nine years with the company, Rustmann has consistently grown existing accounts and generated new business. She has increased sales of the firm’s group‑buy advertising bundles by more than 50 % over the past two to three years, including a 20 % rise in bundled sales in 2025.
Rustmann’s focus on innovation, technology, and digital media has helped J.L. Farmakis and its local newspaper and radio partners expand digital marketing solutions. She also leads the company’s year‑round external marketing, doubling its exposure over the past three years and expanding its social‑media presence.
Commitment to the industry
Both honorees have long‑standing ties to NAMA. Rustmann has been an active member of the Gateway Chapter for more than 15 years, serving on the Fall Conference Planning Committee as vice chair in 2023 and chair in 2024. Their dedication to mentorship and professional development reflects NAMA’s mission to strengthen agribusiness marketing nationwide.
“Doug and Laura represent the talent, leadership, and commitment that make the agri‑marketing industry so strong,” said Jennifer Pickett, CEO of NAMA. “Their accomplishments demonstrate excellence in their respective disciplines, and both have invested their time and expertise in strengthening NAMA and developing others in our industry. We are proud to recognize them with the 2026 Professional Development Awards of Excellence.”
About NAMA
The National Agri‑Marketing Association is the largest U.S. organization for professionals in agricultural marketing and agribusiness. NAMA provides education, networking, and professional‑development opportunities while highlighting innovation and outstanding achievement in the field.
The awards will be formally presented at NAMA Nexus, scheduled for October 13‑15 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
