Business Council Honors Individuals for Contributions to Agriculture
For the City Times
STEVENS POINT — 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 11th at Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center.
Plover River Farms Alliance, owners Nick & Dianne Somers were awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award for their outstanding commitment to the progress and success of the agri-business industry and for their significant contributions to the agri-business community.
“It is clear that the Somers family and farm associates 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 agri-business in our community. We are pleased to have Plover River Farms and the family choose our community as the place to ‘make a difference’….because indeed, they have,” said Karen Myers, 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: Riley Patoka, son of Jodi & Joseph Patoka of Stevens Point; and Angela Edelburg, daughter of Patty & Gary Edelburg of Scandinavia.
Outstanding FFA Senior Awards went to: Makayla Konkol-Amherst High School, daughter of Jenifer & Stephen Konkol; Ashley Studzinski and Lillian Walder-Rosholt High School, daughter of Gail & Anthony Studzinski and daughter of Sarah & Ed
Walder; and Zoe Zalewski-Stevens Point Area Senior High School, daughter Carla Danczyk and Granddaughter of Bob & Sandi Danczyk.
The 4-H Leadership in Agriculture Award was presented to: Abigail Helbach, daughter of Debra & Michael Helbach.
The keynote speaker for the event was State Senator Patrick Testin. His presentation was entitled “Growing Opportunity in Wisconsin”. The Master of Ceremonies was Ken Schroeder, UW-Extension Portage County Agricultural Agent.
The American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet is an annual event that celebrates Portage County individuals for their personal and professional contributions to agriculture in Portage County.