MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S. — Ten grain industry professionals completed the Credential in Grain Operations Management (CGOM) through the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS)/Kansas State University (KSU) Credentialing Program this December. With three initial graduates completing the CGOM last May, the program had a total of 13 graduates in its first year. 
 
Five of the recent graduates simultaneously earned their Specialist Credential in Grain Quality Management, making them the first to add a specialist credential to their CGOM designation. 
 
Earning the CGOM represents a significant accomplishment and shows great dedication to professional development, the organizations said. The growing number of credential earners demonstrates the increasing value of continuing education to the grain industry. 
 
Congratulations to the following CGOM graduates:

• Adam Dykstra, Temco (with Specialist Credential in Grain Quality Management);
• Josh Gatewood, Valley Grain/Division of Mennel Milling;
• Troy Goldner, Kalama Export Co. LLC. (with Specialist Credential in Grain Quality Management);
• Allan Grettum, Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd.;
• Chris Harner, Berkley Agribusiness Risk Specialists;
• Matt Kauffman, Key Cooperative (with Specialist Credential in Grain Quality Management);
• Brian Larson, JD Heiskell and Co.;
• David McKerchar, Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd. (with Specialist Credential in Grain Quality Management);
• Daniel Myers, Kokomo Grain Co. Inc. (with Specialist Credential in Grain Quality Management); and
• Ian Shumilak, Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd.

All courses required for credentials are available online through the GEAPS/KSU Distance Education Program partnership, which offers 21 courses in total. The CGOM is the basic credential available, comprised of six courses. Specialist credentials also offered in Property and Casualty Risk Management, Grain Quality Management, and Grain Handling Equipment Management. The CGOM is a prerequisite to receiving specialist credentials, which were created to enhance the CGOM. Each specialist credential is made up of four courses.

Visit www.geaps.com to learn more about the Credentialing Program and view the 2014 course schedule, or contact Rose Miller at 1.952.928.4640 or rose@geaps.com.