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Dec 12, 2008 3:17 PM

Charles “Shorty” Whittington (left), president and chief executive officer of Grammer Industries Inc of Grammer IN, has been honored by the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute with its first-ever Agricultural Transportation Leadership Award that recognizes Whittington’s 30 years of commitment to the agricultural and trucking industries. Presenting the award was Gene Griffin, director of the institute.

The Agricultural Transportation Leadership Award was designed to honor an industry official who demonstrates exemplary leadership in the commercial agricultural transportation sector. Whittington currently is serving as chairman of the American Trucking Associations (ATA).

"I am pleased that Shorty was chosen as the first recipient of this distinguished award,” said Bill Graves, ATA president. “Shorty has dedicated his life to tackling the tough issues faced by the agricultural and transportation industries. He is a true leader who exemplifies what can be achieved through commitment and service.”

Whittington also is a founding member of the ATA Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference and has served as chairman of the conference board of directors for more than five years.

Whittington founded one of Indiana’s first soy-biofuels plants, known as Integrity BioFuels LLC. Integrity BioFuels is considered a model plant and has been visited by biofuels leaders from across the country. Whittington began his career operating a grain elevator. He has built a series of successful agribusinesses benefitting Indiana’s economy, gaining the state substantial recognition and proving that determination, foresight and leadership are qualities that make Indiana an economic power, according to ATA information.

Whittington is active in many civic, service, and trade organizations, including the Indiana Feed, Grain and Plant Food Association, the Kentucky, Illinois and Ohio Fertilizer Associations, and several state propane gas associations. He is past-chairman of the Indiana Motor Truck Association, a director and board member of the Midwest Agriculture Farmers Cooperative, a transportation consultant to the Fertilizer Institute and Agricultural Retailers Associations, and a member of First Baptist Church of Columbus IN.