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New Home Manager Receives National Award

By Wendy D. McDaniel

Gene Beck

Gene Beck

Gene Beck, New Home Coop gin manager, is the recipient of the 1996-97 Horace Hayden National Cotton Ginner of the Year Award presented by the National Cotton Ginners Association (NCGA).

“It’s truly a humbling experience to receive such an award,” says Beck. “This is the big one; I can’t stop grinning. I probably even grin in my sleep.”

The award is presented to the ginner(s) for outstanding leadership to the U.S. cotton industry, superior customer service and civic contributions.

A native of California, Beck found the two loves of his life in West Texas; his wife, Sue, and the cotton industry. And Beck definitely has found his niche in the West Texas cotton industry.

His career started with a bookkeeping job in 1966 at Farmers Coop Gin and Elevator in Littlefield, TX. He then moved up to become the assistant manager at Crosbyton Farmers Coop in 1970.

In 1972, Beck and his family made a move to Hackberry Coop Gin where he more than doubled the average annualvolume. In 1978, he assumed management of Lubbock Cotton Growers Gin where he significantly expanded output by consolidating two plants.

Two years ago, the Becks moved again, this time to New Home, TX, where he filled the position of gin manager of the New Home Coop Gin. There, he has continued to be known and respected by his customers for his commitment to quality ginning.

Beck has proven his leadership skills through his roles in various cotton associations. He served as president of the Texas Cotton Ginners Association and was the 1993 recipient of its Ginner of the Year Award. He also is the past president of the Plains Coop Managers Association and served on the NCGA board for three years, from 1992-1995.

“The people of West Texas, especially those in its cotton industry, have been good to me,” says Beck. “They have given me a lot of opportunities and are a big part of this award.”

Beck recognizes his family, friends and hard working employees for their support in his career and realizes that without their support the award would not have been possible to achieve.

“This is the big one,” Beck says again with a smile, shaking his head almost in disbelief. “You can’t get much better than that.”