Created in honor of the late IMSI volunteer, president and executive secretary Lynn Reynolds, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership benefitting the North American and/or international maple syrup industry. It's been given out at IMSI annual meetings since 1999.
This year, IMSI awarded Isselhardt and Lilley jointly for their efforts in providing maple grading education to the industry through the International Maple Syrup Grading School. Over 200 participants have attended since 2004. And as a result, they have increased their knowledge about grading maple syrup and have saved money by increasing their profits, increasing their sales, or reducing their costs.
"The International Maple Syrup Grading School has had a tremendous impact on our industry, helping train producers, graders, and maple professionals across North America," said IMSI Executive Director Kaylie Stuckey. "Mark and Jason have been instrumental in carrying this work forward, and the IMSI is proud to recognize their contributions with the 2026 Lynn Reynolds Award."
Isselhardt said it's an honor to join a group of past recipients who reflect the foundation of the international maple industry -- and even better to do so with his UMaine colleague Jason Lilley.
"Together we have grown a syrup quality training program that began 20+ years ago by colleagues from Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine to reach more producers and improve the quality of syrup across the United States and Canada," Isselhardt said. "Maple producers also deserve credit for their enduring commitment to quality by taking the time to engage with our programming."
