Cultivating Success

Mary Auth

Mary Auth is an associate with Demeter Communications. Her knowledge and experience from a 30-year career, which includes ownership of her own public relations and marketing firm, is a valuable asset to Demeter's team. She has focused her skills for the agriculture sector, in addition to a diverse range of industries including fire prevention, homeland security, petroleum and renewable energy, among others. Her clients have included private and public organizations, plus domestic and international companies. Mary has developed complete marketing plans and produced publications, newsletters, web sites and other marketing materials. Her background in graphic design enables her to bring a visual perspective to the work she produces.

With extensive public relations experience and an understanding of the legislative process, she has organized numerous grassroots efforts. Her exceptional skills have produced effective marketing and communications plans that have produced measurable results. Mary has served as a consultant for ag commodity groups, farming operations, seed organizations and agricultural legal services. She has a thorough understanding of commodity checkoff programs and has developed and overseen communication efforts for four state and national checkoff referenda.

She graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design. Additionally, Mary is a graduate of the Illinois Ag Leadership Program, which took her to Washington, DC, China, Vietnam and Hong Kong. Raised on a corn and soybean farm in central Illinois, she continues to help manage the family farm today and resides in Champaign, Illinois.

Random Acts

During her youth, she participated in the farm operation as many youngsters did at that time – "walking soybeans" for fifty cents an hour.
She is active in several organizations that serve the developmentally disabled, including two boards of director positions.
Mary is an avid white-water rafter and has experienced the Colorado River via Grand Canyon – twice.

Brushes with Greatness

Mary was honored with the American Red Cross' 2003 National Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership.
As an international all-breed cat judge, Auth has officiated in more than 15 countries and has been seen on national and international telecasts.

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