October 25, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC – Last week the Washington International Trade Association (WITA) and the Washington International Trade Foundation (WITF) hosted the 2021 WITA/WITF Annual Dinner, bringing together cross-sector stakeholders to support WITA’s trade education efforts. Each year the event recognizes key figures for their leadership on advancing America’s trade priorities. This year WITA/WITF honored several industry leaders, including Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA 01) with the Congressional Leadership Award and Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX 08) with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Congratulations to Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady for being named honorees at this year’s WITA/WITF Annual Dinner, showcasing their leadership in bipartisan work to promote trade that grows American jobs and economic prosperity,” says John Bode, President & CEO of the Corn Refiners Association (CRA). “As a sponsor of the annual event, CRA understands and values the importance of multilateral collaboration on international trade to support our nation’s food and agriculture workers. Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady have worked tirelessly to help our industry sectors fairly compete and thrive in the global economy, and we look forward to continued partnership to secure greater market access for U.S. products.”

CRA also extends its support and congratulations to Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Rufus Yerxa, President of the National Foreign Trade Council, and Lighthouse Award Winner Florie Liser, President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa. Their commitment to promoting a sustainable and effective global trade landscape is critical for American food and agriculture workers, and their continued efforts will help our nation’s industries thrive.

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The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein and fiber.