Business Council Honors Individuals for Contributions to Agriculture
By Patrick Lynn
The Portage Co. Business Council recently honored outstanding persons in the local agriculture industry.
Several awards, 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, were presented during the annual American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet on March 4.
The banquet was held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center and sponsored by the Agri-Business Committee of the Portage County Business Council.
Tamas Houlihan, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, received the Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award for his exceptional commitment to advancing the agri-business industry and his significant contributions to the agri-business community.
“Tamas Houlihan is an active community leader and highly respected by many,” said Karen Myers, director of events for the Portage County Business Council. “He is an advocate for the agri-business industry and has shown outstanding commitment and passion towards agri-business in our community. We are pleased to have Tamas and his family choose our community as the place to ‘make a difference’… because indeed, they have. It is an honor to present him with this award.”
The Agri-Business Scholarship recipient was Porter Stuczynski, son of Nicole and Josh Stuczynski of Amherst.
Outstanding FFA Senior Awards were given to Abby Sekerka from Pacelli Catholic High School, daughter of Beth and Christopher Sekerka; Jaclynn Kaminski from Rosholt High School, daughter of Suzanne and Jeffrey Kaminski; and Caleb Mroczenski from SPASH, son of Amber and Joey Mroczenski.
The 4-H Leadership in Agriculture Award was presented to Jacob Spoelstra, son of Elizabeth and Jeremy Spoelstra.
Tony Schultz, owner of Stoney Acres Farm, served as the keynote speaker for the event, while Ken Schroeder, UW-Extension Portage County Agricultural Agent, acted as the Master of Ceremonies.
The presenting sponsors of the event included Food+Farm Exploration Center, Del Monte Foods, Team Schierl Companies, and the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association.
The American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet is an annual event that celebrates Portage County individuals for their personal and professional contributions to agriculture in the area.
