PRESTON, MN, October 6, 2021 – The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) is pleased to recognize the winners of the 2021 Algae Industry Awards. During ABO’s Annual Algae Biomass Summit, Executive Director, Dr. Rebecca White, announced outstanding leaders, companies and innovations that are at the forefront of efforts to develop new technologies and commercial markets for renewable and sustainable products derived from algae
This year, ABO added an additional award, the Pinnacle Award, to recognize exceptional dedication and service, beyond the call of duty, to advance the algae industry. In further recognition of the inaugural winner’s service, the full title of this award will be the Barb Scheevel Pinnacle Award for future recipients. It will be given as the highest honor the ABO bestows on an individual or organization.
Barb is quite simply, the heart and soul of the ABO. She witnessed, recorded, and shared the story of this organization and our industry from its beginnings; originally focused primarily on biofuels, ABO has blossomed to include all algae and all products, supporting commercialization across the various sectors. She has an incredible amount of institutional knowledge and memory, which she uses to solve virtually any problem; a common phrase is “let’s ask Barb.”
She’s a wealth of knowledge and creative solutions and goes above and beyond to make the Algae Biomass Organization a successful member organization. Barb is the main contact with many for ABO. Cannot log in, then ask Barb. Need to find a member, ask Barb. At ABS only 2/3 of your booth showed thanks to DHL and need to improvise fast, ask Barb. Need advice on a contamination problem and don’t know who to talk with, ask Barb. With tremendous grace, warmth, and enthusiasm, and always with a smile, she attracts so many into the algae community and then embraces their passion and excitement, creating a space for everyone to learn, share and grow. She keeps us sorted and connected. She works with the Membership to ensure that everyone gets their unique circumstances addressed above and beyond satisfaction. She supports the Board of Directors diligently and professionally. She has amazing attention to detail, and her ability to multitask and keep every ball in the air is legendary.
Members describe Barb as the pillar, den mother, linchpin, backbone, and most poignantly, the soul of the ABO. In the words of John Benemann, “I can say that without her, we would not be here, most likely not be at all.” Thank you, Barb, for all the help, patience and memories over 14 years!
The full listing of awards given this year can be found on the algaebiomass.org/blog/11433/algae-biomass-organization-announces-2021-algae-industry-awards-2/
Rebecca White, Executive Director of ABO stated, “It’s such an honor to work with Barb, on many levels. I am thrilled that, as an industry, we were able to thank her for her dedication and service. On behalf of our members and Board of Directors, we sincerely thank Barb for her work and are grateful for her every day.”
About the Algae
Biomass Organization
The Algae Biomass Organization is the non-profit trade association and unified voice of the algae industry. Working on behalf of all sectors, the ABO advocates for algae-advancing policy and funding, serves as a hub for innovation and networking, and drives demand for “made with algae” products and services.
The annual Algae Biomass Summit, ABO’s signature event, is the largest global gathering of algae producers, researchers, investors, suppliers, policy makers, and other stakeholders.
Founded in 2008, the ABO is led by a Board of Directors representative of the industry’s value chain. Together, with the broader membership, they strive to deliver on the shared mission to promote and accelerate the power of algae to create a step-change in the health and well-being of humanity and the environment. More information is at: www.algaebiomass.org