Arizona Ginner to Lead NCGA in 2006

The National Cotton Ginners Association (NCGA) elected its officers for 2006 at its annual meeting here. The officers include president, Russell Kuhnhenn, Buckeye, AZ; first vice president, Van Murphy, Quitman, GA; second vice president, Chris Breedlove, Olton, TX; third vice president, Sledge Taylor, Como, MS; and chairman, Larry McClendon, Marianna, AR.

February 11, 2006
Contact: Marjory Walker
(901) 274-9030

TUCSON, AZ - The National Cotton Ginners Association (NCGA) elected its officers for 2006 at its annual meeting here. The officers include president, Russell Kuhnhenn, Buckeye, AZ; first vice president, Van Murphy, Quitman, GA; second vice president, Chris Breedlove, Olton, TX; third vice president, Sledge Taylor, Como, MS; and chairman, Larry McClendon, Marianna, AR.

In addition, Sid Brough, general manager of EdCot Coop Gin and San Patricio County Coop, is the 2005 Horace Hayden National Cotton Ginner of the Year recipient.

Brough, who was the NCGA’s chairman in 2005, is recognized as an innovator that constantly strives to provide quality ginning for his customers.

Active in the industry, Brough is a director and past president of South Texas Cotton and Grain Association. He also is a director and past president of the Texas Cotton Ginners Association and served as a National Cotton Council director in 2005.

A graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Engineering, Brough is a Registered Professional Engineer who began his career with Phillips Petroleum Company in Research and Development. After serving in the Air Force, he worked for Phillips Fibers Corporation from 1972 to 1980 before returning to Texas and his cotton ginning roots.

Roger Isom, vice president and director of Technical Services for California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association, is the recipient of the 2005-06 NCGA Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes individuals who have provided a career of distinguished service to the U.S. cotton ginning industry.

Isom was characterized as being a tireless worker on behalf of the U.S. cotton ginning industry with a “bulldog” tenacity in addressing challenges to the U.S. cotton production and ginning industries.

Isom’s work on air quality regulations in cotton ginning operations has saved the ginning industry millions of dollars. He also has been an active technical advisor on other issues beyond air quality, including ways to improve worker safety records and reduce unnecessary burdensome regulations. He recently chaired the NCGA’s Safety Specialist’s Forum.

Isom earned a bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from California State University – Fresno.