Farewell Banquet

NAAA Annual Convention & Exposition

December 5–8, 2011 ♦ Las Vegas

Farewell Banquet & Awards Ceremony

Air Tractor Inc. Founder Leland SnowAir Tractor Inc. Founder Leland Snow, 1930-2011NAAA’s Annual Convention & Exposition traditionally concludes with an elegant Farewell Banquet & Awards Ceremony, and the 2011 Farewell/Awards Banquet was no exception. The final event of NAAA’s 45th Convention & Exposition had all the pageantry, humor and drama of a Hollywood awards show. A moving tribute in honor of the late Leland Snow, who invented the modern ag plane, set the tone for the evening, and the awards ceremony followed suit. It was a special night for the family of Leland Snow and everyone affiliated with Air Tractor Inc., an affair to remember for the recipients of the 2011 NAAA Awards, and a fitting coda to a historic convention. Please join us in congratulating these individuals for their service to their industry, their association and their communities.

  • Allied Industry Individual Award: John Garr, Garrco Products Inc.
  • John Robert Horne Memorial Award: Nick Richter, Richter Aviation Inc.
  • John Robert Horne Memorial Award: Billy Whitfield, Tim Whitfield Aviation Inc.
  • Larsen-Miller Community Service Award: Loren Dannhaus & Grant Lane, Lane Aviation Inc. (co-awardees/dual recipients)
  • Most Active Woman Award: Jayne Rucker, Rucker Flying Service Inc.
  • Opal & Bill Binnion Memorial Award: Judy Chanay, Chanay Aircraft Service
  • William O. Marsh Safety Award: Robert McCurdy, Flying Tiger Aviation LLC
  • Outstanding Service Award: Carolyn Baecker, The CP Products Company Inc.
  • Outstanding Service Award: Rod Thomas, Thomas Helicopters Inc.

Group shot of the 2011 NAAA Award recipientsNAAA presented its 2011 Awards to 10 deserving recipients. The National Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame also inducted the late John E. Dorr.


2012 NAAA Award Nominations: Deadline September 10, 2012

NAAA is accepting nominations for its 2012 Awards. If you know someone who deserves a tip of the hat or a public pat on the back, submit an NAAA Awards Nomination Form. The aerial application industry is filled with exceptional individuals who go above and beyond, often with little fanfare. We just need you to tell us who they are. For more information, refer to the print-ready or fillable award nomination forms. The nomination deadline is Sept. 10, 2012.