Expo Highlights Regional Ag, Community Efforts

The Annual Ag Appreciation Banquet/Night of Honors and the New Trends in Agriculture day-long seminar came together at the Valley Event Center Oct. 13. The event was emceed by Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee chairperson Haylie Shipp with evident sincerity and poise.

Approximately 100 people attended the expo portion at the Event Center during the day on Friday, with the big turnout at the prime rib dinner. The Cottonwood catered and a team of 4-H volunteers served over 300 meals.

The evening's meal and festivities were focused on recognizing area leaders in agriculture, business, and community involvement. Among the honorees were Darryl Menge, who received the Trendsetter award, and Norm Girard, who was presented with the Community Volunteer of the Year by Mayor Erickson.

Ezzie's Wholesale won the Large Employer of the Year award, and Prairie Ridge Village received Small Employer of the Year.

The late Terry Colbrese was honored with the Glasgow Chamber's Volunteer of the Year award in a particularly touching moment. It wasn't the only standing ovation offered up by the crowd Friday night, but it was easily the most memorable.

A complete list of 4-H honorees includes the following community members. Friends of 4-H: Janet Bailey, Pro Coop, Opheim School, Terri Risa, Nellie Gunn, Adam Powell; Outstanding Resource Person: Leanne Fontaine, Kay and Gifford Fjeld, Paulette Knaff, Donnette Johnson, Lynnette Nelson, Donna Pankratz, Amber Swindler; Outstanding Leader: Lori Westby, Kellie Parks, Brian and Tasha Mix, Jennifer Young, Geraldene Fuhrmann, Jennifer Young, Crystal Laumeyer; Outstanding Alumni: Sue Sather, Brady Johnson, Jodi Dix.

Asked for a few thoughts, Shipp told the Courier, "We hope to continue to grow the event in the future," alluding the group's aspirations, which are regional in scope. Shipp added, "We're encouraged. Even in a year that's been hard for agriculture."