Unlocking Growth: Meet ISA’s Market Development Team

By Todd Main, Director of Market Development

In a rapidly changing global marketplace and amid the ever-evolving agriculture industry, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has expanded our Market Development team to better promote Illinois soy as the preferred choice among U.S. and global customers. Our now six-person team is poised to drive the expansion of soybean markets, both at home and abroad. From fostering international trade relations to strengthening domestic market presence, each member plays a vital role in paving the way for Illinois soybeans' growth and sustainability. I am excited to introduce each of these individuals who make up ISA's Market Development team, who work diligently to cultivate fresh opportunities, and propel Illinois soy to new heights.

Eileen Urish, International Markets Manager

Assuming her new position as International Markets Manager, Eileen Urish is actively engaged in enhancing ISA's involvement in trade and exports. Her efforts involve fostering partnerships with farmers, exporters, foreign consulates, soybean buyer groups, and partner organizations. Urish takes charge of organizing visits for international trade teams eager to explore Illinois' soybean supply chain, encompassing farm visits, research facilities, processing plants, and more. Additionally, she facilitates international trips that enable ISA staff and board members to gain insights into farming practices around the globe.

Tim Rendall, Domestic Markets Manager

Having joined ISA in August, Tim Rendall, who serves as ISA's Domestic Markets Manager, brings over a decade of expertise in spearheading agricultural initiatives centered on sustainability, market growth, and societal impact. Within his role, Rendall works to amplify and broaden the utilization of soy across the domestic landscape, spanning feed, food, textiles, and renewable energy sectors. Furthermore, he provides essential support for a roster of ISA initiatives aimed at increasing the demand for Illinois soy within the domestic market. This includes forging partnerships with farmers, producers, and affiliated organizations to create innovative and pioneering strategies aimed at strengthening and developing domestic soy markets.

Caitlyn Abbey, International Markets Specialist

Caitlyn Abbey, with more than five years of global agriculture expertise dedicated to food security and development, joined the ISA team in August, assuming the position of International Markets Specialist. Within her role, she concentrates on cultivating connections with consulates and business organizations in Chicago through active participation in various events. Additionally, Abbey collaborates with the International Markets Manager in hosting farm and industry visits with international trade teams.

Jaidyn Miller, Market Development Coordinator

Jaidyn Miller, who also joined ISA in August, holds the role of Market Development Coordinator based at the ISA Lombard office. A significant portion of Miller's responsibilities centers on the recently launched "It's Sustainably Soy" Certification Program, which is designed to acknowledge organizations, firms, and executives incorporating sustainable soy-based inputs into their products. To facilitate the program's success, she actively engages with stakeholders, arranges meetings to discuss various certification program matters, evaluates certification applications, and, most importantly, collaborates with companies dedicated to sustainability through the utilization of soy. When Miller is not working in the realm of new uses for soy, she participates in meetings with her colleagues contributing to the establishment of the Soy Innovation Center.

Emma Peters, Market Development Coordinator

Emma Peters, who began her journey at ISA as a summer intern, holds the position of Market Development Coordinator at the Bloomington office. As a current University of Illinois student, Peters is pursuing a degree in Agricultural and Consumer Economics focusing on Policy and International Trade and Development, along with a minor in Animal Science. Upon her upcoming graduation, she will join the team full time to contribute to the growth of both international and domestic soybean markets.

"Our Market Development team is a dynamic and dedicated group of individuals committed to driving growth and sustainability in soybean markets. With their diverse expertise and passion for the Illinois agriculture industry, they are positioned to make significant contributions to the continued success of ISA's initiatives. Together, we are forging partnerships, fostering innovation, and expanding market opportunities to ensure a bright future for Illinois soybeans." – Todd Main