Business Council honors individuals for contributions to agriculture
By Patrick Lynn
The Portage Co. Business Council has honored several individuals from the local world of agriculture.
The American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet was held on March 6 at Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, sponsored by the Agri-Business Committee of the Portage County Business Council.
Several awards were presented, including Outstanding FFA Seniors, 4-H Leadership in Agriculture, 4-H Agriculture Leader of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture, and an Agri-Business scholarship.
Robert L. Zimpel, President of TH Agri-Chemicals, Inc., based in Plainfield, was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award for his outstanding commitment to the progress and success of the agri-business industry and for his significant contributions to the agri-business community.
“It is clear that Robert Zimpel is an active community leader, known to be fair and honest, and highly respected by many. He is an advocate of the agri-business industry and have shown outstanding commitment and passion towards agri-business in our community. We are pleased to have Robert and his family choose our community as the place to ‘make a difference’….because indeed, they have,” said Karen Myers, Director of Events for the Portage County Business Council. “It is an honor to present him with this award.”
The Agri-Business Scholarship Recipient was Brooke Mallek, daughter of Brenda and John Mallek.
Outstanding FFA Senior Awards went to Jacob Gibbs, Amherst High School, son of Crystal and Travis Gibbs; Jalyn Yenter, Rosholt High School, daughter of Amy and Roger Yenter; and Brooke Mallek-SPASH, daughter of Brenda and John Mallek.
Business Council Honors Individuals for Contributions to Agriculture The 4-H Leadership in Agriculture Award was presented to Cody Kaminski, son of Suzi and Jeffery Kaminski and the 4-H Agriculture Leader of the Year Award was presented to Sara Hintz for their outstanding contribution to youth and agriculture.
The keynote speaker for the event was Tamas Houlihan, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association. The Master of Ceremonies was Ken Schroeder, UW-Extension Portage County Agricultural Agent.
The presenting sponsors of the event included Food+Farm Exploration Center, Del Monte Foods, and the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association.
The banquet is an annual event that celebrates local individual for their personal and professional contributions to agriculture in Portage County.