My tiny tribute to Bill's legacy at ADM

Last night I had the opportunity, with Neil and my family, to honor a very accomplished man in our family, Neil's father. After more than 20 years at ADM (Archer Daniels Midland Company), he officially retired last Friday. Last night was the retirement party hosted by Pat W, the President and CEO of ADM. It was a really extraordinary night.

I'm so glad I was able to attend and be a part of such history at this company. Neil's father worked harder than any person I have ever seen in my life to get to where he was at the top.

Last night was a really emotional time for the family, Bill's colleagues and especially for Bill. Unfortunately Brad, Neil's brother, could not be there, but I know he was there in spirit (he's loading up the trucks for Oklahoma's bowl game!). I know Bill thought of him many a times last night. When Neil spoke in honor of his dad in front of the ADM executives, I know the thoughts going through Bill's head was how proud he is of his sons. How could he not be?

Likewise, we are so very proud of Bill and what he has accomplished for ADM, Decatur and all over the world. He has been an amazing mentor for hundreds, and maybe thousands, but especially for his children, showing them that working as hard as he did will get you very far in life.

Wishing you the best, Bill, in your blissful years of retirement.

Here's a couple pictures. The rest you will shortly be able to see on flickr.



And a really cool article on Bill:

Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) announced that William (Bill) Camp, executive vice president, has elected to retire by year end.

In August 2007, Camp took on a special assignment to advance the Company’s business strategy for Asian investments and operations. That strategy work now transitions to the Company’s strategic planning group, under the direction of Steve Mills, senior vice president, Strategic Planning. John Rice, executive vice president, Commercial and Production, will replace Bill Camp as director, Wilmar International, Ltd.

“Bill has served as a valued member of the ADM leadership team for more than 20 years,” said ADM Chairman and CEO Patricia Woertz. “During that time, his extensive business knowledge and sound judgment have significantly contributed to our leadership in agricultural processing and BioEnergy.”

Bill Camp joined ADM in 1985. During his tenure, he managed the Company’s rail, trucking and barge operations, South American division, North American Oilseed Processing division, and the Global Oilseeds, Cocoa and Wheat Milling operations. He also served on the boards of directors for several ADM affiliates. He was named senior vice president, Global Oilseeds, Cocoa and Milling in 2002. In 2005, he was named executive vice president with responsibility for ADM’s global manufacturing, grain handling and transportation operations. He also served on ADM’s Strategic Planning Committee since its inception in 2006.

Camp received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Prior to joining ADM, he also held manufacturing management positions at A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company.

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is the world leader in BioEnergy and has a premier position in the agricultural processing value chain. ADM is one of the world’s largest processors of soybeans, corn, wheat and cocoa. ADM is a leading manufacturer of biodiesel, ethanol, soybean oil and meal, corn sweeteners, flour and other value-added food and feed ingredients. Headquartered in Decatur, Illinois, ADM has over 27,000 employees, more than 240 processing plants and net sales for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 of $44 billion. Additional information can be found on ADM’s Web site at http://www.admworld.com/.