November 1, 2006 was a special day for AGGA, as it was the first time the newly established GROWER OF THE YEAR AWARD was presented. Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association announced the following awards at its annual banquet in Edmonton:
HERB KNODEL AWARD
This award was given to John Bouw, Dentoom Greenhouses Red Deer for his outstanding service and contribution to the development of Alberta greenhouse crops industry. Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza announced the award and cited John Bouw’s contributions. John Bouw, owner and president of Dentoom’s Greenhouses grew up in Niagra Peninsula and graduated from Ontario Agricultural College in 1980 with a diploma in Horticulture. For 10 years, John managed greenhouses for Nova Corporation in Jofree, Alberta. In 1991 he purchased Dentoom’s Greenhouses, a wholesale and retail operation. In 1994 he joined Proven Winners Group and proudly presented this new line to his Canadian customers.
John is a past president of the Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association and a current member of the Canadian Ornamental Plant Foundation and many other associations. He put Alberta grown plant material on the map and supplies cuttings and seedlings to more than 800 professional growers across Canada. Dr. Mirza fondly remembered John as a young rookie working with him at Brooks when he moved to Alberta and how he built his business. He has promoted the Alberta Greenhouse Industry at every level of his business. Dietrich Kuhlmann presented the award.
GROWER OF THE YEAR - 2006
There were two awards given out this year; Michiel Verheul – High Q Greenhouses, Morinville, AB and Ron Prins – TR Greenhouses, Lacombe AB
Michiel started his greenhouse business as a bedding plant grower in the early eighties and then specialized in plugs. He demonstrated an outstanding ability to integrate the demands of his customers and specialized production to meet their needs. His business acumen is evidenced in continued expansion and high customer satisfaction. His contribution to the Green Industry Show and Conference is tremendous. He has found top quality speakers and brought them to Alberta so that all of us could benefit from them
Ron Prins of TR Greenhouses in Lacombe grows tomatoes and cucumbers for Pik-N-Pak and for farmers markets. He is an outstanding manager in many aspects of greenhouse operations. He is the first grower who has tried to develop a good greenhouse organic hydroponic system for cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce. He is always ready to share information. In 2006 he is expecting above average tomato yields which are likely going to be the highest in Alberta.
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