For the City-Times

Sponsored by the Agri-Business Committee of the Portage County Business Council, several awards including Outstanding FFA Seniors, 4-H Leadership in Agriculture, Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture, and Agri-Business scholarships were presented during the annual American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet held on March 10th at Best Western Plover Hotel & Conference Center.

Wysocki Family of Companies was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award for their outstanding commitment to the progress and success of the agri-business industry and for significant contributions to the Portage County agri-business community.

The operations have expanded to include growing regions throughout the country, and a few more farm families have been thrown into the mix, but the core principles that began 50 years ago still drive the company: grow quality produce for our family and yours.

Wysocki Family of Companies has been involved with the Portage County Business Council for over 12 years, has been involved in the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association for the past 40 years, active in the Central Sands Water Task Force and several national industry associations. In 2013 alone, Wysocki Family of Companies raised $23,000 for United Way of Portage County and donated approximately $50,000 over the past five years to other community events and organizations.  In addition, they donated 147,000 pounds of potatoes to various food pantries and food banks.

Their Wisconsin staff has grown by 145 full-time positions since 2007and today employee nearly 600 people.

“It is clear that Wysocki Family of Companies and all involved are active community leaders and highly respected by many. They are advocates of the agri-business industry and have shown outstanding commitment and passion towards the agri-business in Portage County. Wysocki Family of Companies has been a true partner in growing Portage County.  We are pleased to have the family choose Portage County as the place to ‘make a difference’….because indeed, they have,” said Schanock, Director of Programs & Events for the Portage County Business Council. “It is an honor to present them with this award.”

The Agri-Business Scholarship Recipients were:  Wyatt Adams-son of Lisa and Larry Adams of Plover; and Josey Pukrop-daughter of Sue and Tony Pukrop of Stevens Point and Mike Sankey-son of Tammy and Lonnie Sankey of Amherst.

Outstanding FFA Senior Awards went to: Lindsay Lutz-Amherst High School, daughter of Karin Hatfield and David Rutz; Haley Dexter-Rosholt High School, daughter of Renee Kolb and Kevin & Sue Dexter; and Mary Lutz-Stevens Point Area Senior High School, daughter of Peggy and Neal Lutz.

The 4-H Leadership in Agriculture Award was presented to: Wyatt Adams-son of Lisa and Larry Adams of Plover.

Our Master of Ceremonies-Rob Wyman introduced guest speaker Mr. Ken Schroeder, Portage County Agriculture Agent during the program.  His presentation was entitled “Portage County Farm Technology Days 2014: What’s It All About”.

The American Agriculture Banquet is an annual event that celebrates Portage County individuals for their personal and professional contributions to agriculture in Portage County.

The Portage County Business Council focuses in the areas of business, community, employee and student development to strengthen our area’s quality of life and business climate.