Looking for an unsung hero of the Washington potato industry

Farm and Ranch November 6, 2009 Put your thinking caps on because the Washington State Potato Foundation is seeking nominations for the annual Industry Leadership Award that will be presented at the Industry Leadership Banquet in January. The foundation’s Kellee Balcom says this is the seventh year for the award. Balcom: “It is one of those ways the we can actually pay tribute to some of the amazing leaders out there that usually go undersold and under advertised. If there is anybody out there that is kind of a legacy in the potato industry or somebody who has really shaped to make the industry what it is today, here is their chance to recognize them.” Balcom says it’s easy to make a nomination. Balcom: “There is a real simple nomination form that you can get if you email me kbalcom@potatoes.com It is just a very short four or five question thing. Probably takes a total of five to ten minutes to fill out. Like I said, what we are looking for are some of those unsung heroes that are out here among us.” The nomination deadline is December 18th. In addition to being honored at a banquet, the winner will have a scholarship awarded in their name for the 2010 school year. Past winners of the Industry Leadership award are Dennis Conley, Gary Pelter, Pete Taggares Sr., Otto Geisert, Bud Mercer and the founding board of the Washington State Potato Commission. That’s the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today! Good health tomorrow! I’m Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.