King Succeeds McNeil As New Merchants’ Chairman; New Officers Elected

DALLAS, July 11, 2005 — The USA Rice Merchants’ Association yesterday during the USA Rice Federation’s annual business meeting here elected Brian King, Marked Tree, AR, to chair its board of directors. King succeeds Randy McNeil, Jonesboro, AR.

Merchants’ board members elected Dick Ottis, El Campo, TX, to be vice chairman, with Shelley Smith, Cleveland, MS, to serve as treasurer.

The Sunday meeting was USA Rice Merchants’ first as a member of the USA Rice Federation.

“Members of the Rice Merchants’ Association are working participants and partners with organizations representing rice producers, millers and allied businesses,” USA Rice Chairman Lee Adams said. “We welcome their involvement in a united industry organization.”

For membership information contact Trish Alderson, vice president, member services, or see http://www.usarice.com/industry/merchants/member.cgi

Contacts: Trish Alderson, (703) 236-1472, talderson@usarice.com

David Coia, (703) 236-1444, dcoia@usarice.com

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USA Rice Federation is the national advocate for all segments of the rice industry, conducting activities to influence government programs, developing and initiating programs to increase worldwide demand for U.S. rice, and providing other services to increase profitability for all industry segments.