Cotton Seed Distributors came together this week for their annual company conference. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the “Years of Service Awards” to six employees on Monday evening. The awards celebrate the service and commitment staff members have made to the company.
Tobin Hill received an award for five years of service. Tobin works in the Operations Team as an electrician. Over his five years CSD has supported Tobin through his Cert III in Electrotechnology and he is now embarking on his Diploma of Electrical Engineering with the support of the business.   Amanda Thomas and Kieran O’Keeffe were recognised for 10 years of service each, and Andrew McKay was recognised for 5 years, in their roles as Regional Extension Officer for the CSD, CRDC, and Cotton Australia’s joint initiative – CottonInfo. Amanda, Kieran, and Andrew are all well known in the industry in the Macquarie, Southern NSW, and Balonne regions respectively. Their role in ensuring knowledge and advancements are shared with the industry has played a key role in the growth of cotton in their regions. Managing Director, Peter Graham, celebrated 20 years of service. Peter announced he will retire at the end of the year in late 2022. Over the last 20 years he has played a significant part in the growth of the industry in Australia. Peter has led the successful investment in expanding the Australian cotton breeding program through a strong focus on research and development. He also drove CSD’s growth in extension activities that have contributed to industry growth, with cotton now being grown from northern Victoria to northern Australia, effectively tripling the average size of the Australian cotton crop.  Brett Ross, Research and Quality Assurance Lead, was recognised for his 25 years of service to CSD. Brett is an invaluable member of the CSD team helping ensure all seed that is delivered to growers is the best quality possible. Brett is also involved in the Cotton Breeding Australia committee supporting the development and delivery of new varieties to the marketplace.  Mr. Graham enjoys celebrating the years of service awards each year, “recognising the commitment and growth of our employees is extremely important to CSD. Without the workforce we have we would be unable to achieve some of the milestones we have.” CSD currently employees just over 70 full time staff and are looking to grow their team further with the right people. “We are in an exciting time of growth and development. We pride ourselves on offering an innovative, safe, and positive workplace, and want to offer opportunities to people that have a similar mindset”, said Mr Graham.  For more information on career opportunities at CSD visit www.csd.net.au/careers