The Grape Growers of Ontario are honoured to announce that Bill George was named as the recipient of the 2017 Niagara Peninsula Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (NPF&VGA) Award of Merit at a special event held at Balls Falls last evening.
“The NPF&VGA is pleased to present Bill George with the 2017 Award of Merit in recognition of the time and dedication he has given to the grape and wine industry in Niagara,” said Jeff Duc, President, Niagara Peninsula Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association.
Bill, pictured with his wife Leslieann and NPF&VGA President Jeff Duc (photo credit: Denis Cahill) was first elected to the Grape Growers of Ontario’s Growers’ Committee and to the Board of Directors in 1994, and was re-elected every year until he stepped down in 2016. In 2001 Bill was recognized by his peers and named Grape King to represent Ontario’s grape growing industry to government, media and other grape growing regions. Following his term as Grape King, Bill was elected Vice Chair in 2003, and became Chair of the Board in 2007. In January 2017, Bill was elected Vice Chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association.
"Bill led the GGO through many challenges with determination, integrity and always with a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for the Ontario grape and wine industry,” said Matthias Oppenlaender, Chair, Grape Growers of Ontario. “He added so much value over his nine years as Chair and left the industry balanced and strategically positioned for growth when he stepped down.”
“I enjoyed my time on the Board of the Grape Growers of Ontario, and miss my day-to-day interactions with my peers and staff,” said Bill George. “Grape growing is in my blood and I will always be interested in the future of Ontario’s grape and wine industry.”
Source: Grape Growers of ontario