NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO, CANADA — Tim Carroll of Pendleton Flour Mills, Blackfoot, Idaho, U.S., was named the 2013 Milling Operative of the Year the evening of May 2 during the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) 117th Annual Conference & Expo in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Carroll is responsible for Pendleton's facilities in Blackfoot, Pendleton, Oregon, U.S., and Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.

Carroll was presented the award during the Banquet and Awards Ceremony. Established in 1986 by Milling & Baking News, sister publication of World Grain, the award is given to the practicing milling operative who has made the most significant contribution to the progress of a plant, a company and the industry from an operating point of view. 

Carroll received an inscribed plaque and a $1,500 scholarship will be established in his name at Kansas State University (KSU), Manhattan, Kansas, U.S.

A graduate of KSU with a degree in milling science and management, Carroll began his career in milling nearly 20 years ago. He worked for Archer Daniels Midland Co. for eight years until he joined Pendleton. Carroll was brought in to improve an underperforming site in Blackfoot.

He “hit the ground running,” and developed a strategic plan that included capital improvements and programs to motivate the workforce in an effort to turn the plant around, said Alan Koenig, the company’s chief operating officer in a nomination letter.

“Due to his foresight and dedicated leadership, the mill’s production and yields have greatly improved and is now one of the highest performing mills in the industry,” Koenig said.

In addition to his exceptional milling knowledge, Carroll was also recognized by several of his co-workers for being an outstanding leader and champion for employee safety.

“I think one of the reasons he has been so successful is because he is a great listener,” said Chris Casias, mill superintendent. “He knows that every employee is valuable and never misses an opportunity to listen to his employees’ ideas or opinions. He understands the culture our shareholders want in the facilities and goes out of his way to set the example.”

Reuben McLean, the mill’s manager of quality and audit compliance added, “He has been a huge advocate of operating an ‘audit ready’ facility. We have been able to accomplish this through a strong training program and employee investment. He has a unique ability to inspire high expectations and continuous improvement from those around him.”

Carroll also has been a strong supporter of the many associations involved in promoting the milling industry, including serving in various board roles for IAOM.