Ice Miller LLP Agribusiness Professional Named to Forty Under 40
2/2/2010
Indianapolis, February 2, 2010 – Ice Miller LLP is pleased to announce that Beth Bechdol, director of agribusiness strategies at the Firm, has been named to the 2010 Indianapolis Business Journal's Forty Under 40 list. The list recognizes local business and professional leaders who have achieved success and excelled in their field before the age of 40. Those honored have demonstrated leadership, initiative and dedication in pursuing their careers, and are likely to continue to achieve in the future.
"Beth has led the way for many women in the agribusiness industry," stated Melissa Proffitt Reese, a partner at Ice Miller and chair of the Firm's agribusiness initiative. "In fact, she serves as a wonderful role model for women in every industry."
Bechdol's introduction to agriculture began at an early age on a corn and soybean farm in Auburn, Ind. After receiving her bachelor's degree from Georgetown University, she returned to her "roots" and completed a master's degree at Purdue University in agricultural economics.
Prior to joining Ice Miller, Bechdol served as the deputy director of the first-ever Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) where she had an integral role in establishing the agency and crafting the strategic plan for Indiana agriculture put forward by Governor Mitch Daniels. She was directly involved in ISDA’s international trade and investment activities.
"Beth has played a critical role in defining the Firm's agribusiness services," stated Byron Myers, chief managing partner at Ice Miller. "She provides unparalleled industry perspective to key issues agribusiness faces, allowing us to better serve those clients."
Her dedication to public service in agriculture and her extensive trade and farm policy experience extended beyond her role in Indiana to Washington, D.C. where she served in key roles at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and on the Senate Agriculture Committee under Indiana Senator Richard G. Lugar.
Bechdol's extensive professional experience is matched only by her philanthropic commitments. She is a member of the Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana and a member of the Purdue Research Foundation board of directors. She also serves as the vice president, board of directors of the Indiana Chapter of the Huntington's Disease Society of America.
Ice Miller's lawyers and business professionals, through their understanding of businesses, industries, and government entities, help simplify the complexities faced by its clients. Ice Miller is committed to helping its clients achieve their legal and business goals. The Firm has offices in DuPage County and Chicago, Ill.; Indianapolis, Ind.; and Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit online at www.icemiller.com.
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