Thomas R. Ford to be inducted into Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame
Thomas R. Ford to be inducted into Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame
Thomas R. Ford, chairman of the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee in Monte Vista, CO, will be inducted into the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame in Denver on Feb. 28. Mr. Ford was one of several nominees to pass the rigorous screening process of the Montrose-based Colorado FFA Foundation Inc.
Colorado Agriculture Commissioner John Stulp will preside over the award ceremony, which will be held at the Doubletree Hotel Denver located at 3202 Quebec Street. The event begins at 5:30 p.m.
"What we're looking at is a positive impact on agriculture at the state level," said foundation Executive Director Jeri Mattics Omernik of the nomination process. Applications began arriving Sept. 15, 2007, and the 24-member board whittled down the list of names. "It's always a lively process," she said.
When asked about his reaction to the news, Mr. Ford had a select few words in response. "I was shocked," he told The Produce News.
Mr. Ford's stealth nomination was submitted by his daughter, Deborah, on Sept. 8, 2007. Her letter captured Mr. Ford's character and dedication. "He has served on so many agricultural committees and boards that I grew up knowing he was always busy with meetings," Ms. Ford wrote. "As a member of the many boards that he is on, he has done his best for the agricultural industry regardless of how it affects him personally. He feels that every agricultural area that you visit and others that you meet in the industry can only increase your knowledge."
The list of Mr. Ford's accomplishments is inspiring. During his 50 years of industry involvement, Mr. Ford has served in numerous capacities: chairman of the board of trustees of the National Potato Education & Research Foundation; director of the Canada-U.S. Potato Committee; director of the National Potato Promotion Board; president and a member of the executive committee of the National Potato Council; and a member and stockholder of Farm Fresh Direct LLC.
In addition to his industry involvement, Mr. Ford is president and chairman of the board of Alamosa Bancorp; is chairman of the board of directors of the Alamosa National Bank; is a director of the Monte Vista Water Users Association; and has served in several capacities for the Monte Vista Production Credit Association.
Mr. Ford and his wife, Donna, live in Alamosa, CO.
"Colorado agriculture is blessed with an abundance of people who unselfishly give of their time and talents to serve our industry," said Ms. Omernik. "Tom Ford is one of these true servant leaders, who has invested his life in serving the agriculture industry. As one might surmise by reviewing the long list of memberships and board assignments, Mr. Ford has spent countless hours away from his family and his operation serving the greater good of the potato industry.
"As with his fellow members of the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame, Tom serves as a role model for today's agriculture students and FFA members," she continued. "Through his dedication and accomplishments, today's young people are inspired to serve and to do their part to ensure that Colorado agriculture remains a strong and vibrant industry."
A slate of potato sales activities are planned to remind retailers that the spring season is an ideal time to promote Colorado potatoes.
(For more on San Luis Valley potatoes, see the Feb. 4 issue of The Produce News.)
Colorado Agriculture Commissioner John Stulp will preside over the award ceremony, which will be held at the Doubletree Hotel Denver located at 3202 Quebec Street. The event begins at 5:30 p.m.
"What we're looking at is a positive impact on agriculture at the state level," said foundation Executive Director Jeri Mattics Omernik of the nomination process. Applications began arriving Sept. 15, 2007, and the 24-member board whittled down the list of names. "It's always a lively process," she said.
When asked about his reaction to the news, Mr. Ford had a select few words in response. "I was shocked," he told The Produce News.
Mr. Ford's stealth nomination was submitted by his daughter, Deborah, on Sept. 8, 2007. Her letter captured Mr. Ford's character and dedication. "He has served on so many agricultural committees and boards that I grew up knowing he was always busy with meetings," Ms. Ford wrote. "As a member of the many boards that he is on, he has done his best for the agricultural industry regardless of how it affects him personally. He feels that every agricultural area that you visit and others that you meet in the industry can only increase your knowledge."
The list of Mr. Ford's accomplishments is inspiring. During his 50 years of industry involvement, Mr. Ford has served in numerous capacities: chairman of the board of trustees of the National Potato Education & Research Foundation; director of the Canada-U.S. Potato Committee; director of the National Potato Promotion Board; president and a member of the executive committee of the National Potato Council; and a member and stockholder of Farm Fresh Direct LLC.
In addition to his industry involvement, Mr. Ford is president and chairman of the board of Alamosa Bancorp; is chairman of the board of directors of the Alamosa National Bank; is a director of the Monte Vista Water Users Association; and has served in several capacities for the Monte Vista Production Credit Association.
Mr. Ford and his wife, Donna, live in Alamosa, CO.
"Colorado agriculture is blessed with an abundance of people who unselfishly give of their time and talents to serve our industry," said Ms. Omernik. "Tom Ford is one of these true servant leaders, who has invested his life in serving the agriculture industry. As one might surmise by reviewing the long list of memberships and board assignments, Mr. Ford has spent countless hours away from his family and his operation serving the greater good of the potato industry.
"As with his fellow members of the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame, Tom serves as a role model for today's agriculture students and FFA members," she continued. "Through his dedication and accomplishments, today's young people are inspired to serve and to do their part to ensure that Colorado agriculture remains a strong and vibrant industry."
A slate of potato sales activities are planned to remind retailers that the spring season is an ideal time to promote Colorado potatoes.
(For more on San Luis Valley potatoes, see the Feb. 4 issue of The Produce News.)
