Colorado Corn

Greeley (October 21, 2009) – Bob Kjelland is joining Colorado Corn as director of communications, announces Mark Sponsler, chief executive officer of the organization. “Colorado Corn continues to move forward in working on behalf of the state’s corn farmers. The addition of Bob to our staff further strengthens our current professional team,” says Sponsler.

Kjelland will be responsible for Colorado Corns overall communications strategy development, including handling media relations and preparing the association’s newsletter to members. “Field corn is an integral part of Colorado’s agricultural economy,” says Kjelland. “I am excited to contribute to the efforts of Colorado Corn to cultivate opportunities for its members.”

Kjelland formerly was the director of communications for North Dakota Farmers Union, the largest general farm organization in the state. Kjelland was editor of the organization’s official monthly publication. In addition to his communications duties, Kjelland was actively involved in developing and implementing educational training for farmers and ranchers, event planning, and working with the affiliated farmer-owned cooperatives across the state. He represented his employer on several organizations, such as the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute advisory council, he chaired the statewide Co-op Month planning committee for the North Dakota Coordinating Council for Cooperatives,  and chaired a national association of non-profit agricultural communicators. Through his work, Kjelland traveled to more than 20 states, and made numerous advocacy trips to Washington, DC.

Previously, Kjelland was editor of the Valley City Times-Record, a daily newspaper in eastern North Dakota. He covered agriculture, business, education, and government.  During his tenure at the paper, he received numerous awards for writing, photography, and design. He was a member of Toastmasters  International for ten years. Kjelland served as president of several community organizations.

A native of North Dakota, Kjelland earned a degree in business management and leadership from the University of Mary in Bismarck. Kjelland and his wife, Maria, have five children. He and his wife enjoy hiking, biking, photography, and writing.

^{The Colorado Corn Growers Association and Colorado Corn Administrative Committee work on behalf of more than 4,000 corn producers through market development, communications, research, and technical assistance. See more about the work of both organizations at the www.coloradocorn.com website.}