Jean Payne, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Held of Brussels, received the Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award from the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented to Jean at the Chamber’s agricultural banquet on Nov. 18 and recognizes an individual from the McLean County area for contributions to the cause of agriculture in the community.
Jean served as the President of the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA), a statewide membership organization headquartered in Bloomington, IL. IFCA assists and represents agricultural input suppliers throughout the State. IFCA influences legislative and regulatory policies that affect the fertilizer, crop protection and custom application industry and develops and implements stewardship, safety and educational programs for the industry. Jean was with the IFCA for 23 years, serving as the Association’s President from 2004 until her retirement in March 2021.
Jean is a 1983 graduate of Brussels High School and a 1987 graduate of Illinois State University. She continues to reside in Bloomington with her husband Rae.
