Corn, soybean farmers saddened by tragic deaths of Rep. Walorski and two of her staff
Posted: November 2, 2022
Category:
ICGA, Indiana Corn and Soybean Post - Fall 2022, ISA, News
U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-2nd Dist.) and two of her staff, District Director Zach Potts and Communications Director Emma Thomson, died in a two-car accident in the afternoon on Aug. 3 near Nappanee, Ind.
The Indiana Soybean Alliance Membership and Policy Committee (M&P), the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), the Indiana Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) worked closely with Rep. Walorski and her staff on many issues and is saddened by their deaths.
“We are simply heartbroken to hear about Rep. Walorski’s sudden and tragic passing and that of her staff, District Director Zach Potts and Communications Director Emma Thomson. We send our deepest condolences to Rep. Walorski’s husband, Dean, the families of Mr. Potts and Ms. Thomson, and her staff,” said Courtney Kingery, CEO of the Indiana Soybean Alliance, the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and the Indiana Corn Growers Association.
“This is a terrible loss and shock for Indiana. We were together today at the grand opening of Louis Dreyfus Company’s new soy liquid lecithin plant in Claypool, Ind. – a perfect example of how she was a champion for the farmers and the agricultural businesses in her district. Rep. Walorski advocated for Indiana farmers frequently, and in 2019 we presented her with our Friend of Farmer award. She will be remembered as a dedicated leader who helped Indiana’s farmers achieve the highest value for their crops. Rep. Walorski, Mr. Potts and Ms. Thomson will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all involved in the accident today.”
ICGA and M&P presented its Friend of Farmer award to Walorski in 2019. ICGA and ISA M&P created the Friend of Farmer award to honor elected officials each year at any level of government whose service to Indiana farmers has gone above and beyond in advancing the mission of their organizations. Walorski was honored for advocating for Hoosier farmers as the trade war with China began to escalate.
“Farmers are at the heart of the American economy, and here in Indiana they play a vital role in making our communities strong, keeping families healthy, and helping Hoosiers succeed,” Walorski said after receiving the award. “I’m honored to receive the Friend of Farmers Award and grateful to work alongside the ICGA and ISA to make sure our farmers are thriving. I look forward to continuing our work together to keep Hoosier agriculture going strong.”
