WINNIPEG - Five Canadian agri-retailers were celebrated for their innovation and excellence in the agri-retail industry at the 10th anniversary of the CAAR's Choice Awards.

The retailers were nominated by their peers and selected by CAAR for their immense dedication and contributions to the agri-retail industry, and received their awards at a sold-out banquet dinner held on Feb. 15, 2017, during the 2017 CAAR Conference in Banff, Alta.

“Agri-retailers are leaders in the industry, and we are proud to recognize their hard work and celebrate their achievements,” says Delaney Ross Burtnack, President and CEO of CAAR.

There are five awards distributed during the CAAR’s Choice Awards: 4R Nutrient Stewardship Retailer of the Year, Agronomist of the Year, the Chairman’s Award, Retailer of the Year and the Retailer Hall of Fame award.

This year's winners:

• 4R Nutrient Stewardship Retailer of the Year: AGRIS Co-Operative, Ontario

  In 2016, AGRIS began implementing the 4R program across all levels of their operation. They are dedicated to 4R and see it as a program that allows them to help their customers increase profitability while protecting the environment for generations to come.

• Agronomist of the Year: Laurie Manshreck, Manitoba

  As a farmer, Manshreck understands what her customers need. She has a high level of personal investment in her clients, and doesn’t believe in giving anything less than her best recommendations and advice. Laurie is always willing to share her vast knowledge with customers and her colleagues at Paterson Grain.

• Chairman's Award: David Thompson, Prince Edward Island

  Thompson has been in the industry for 46 years. During that time, he has been a forward thinker and a great environmental champion with many stewardship initiatives. In retirement, he continues to be involved with numerous organizations and is a long-time CAAR board member.

• Retailer of the Year: Top Gro Agro, Alberta

  Their customers know they can rely on Top Gro Agro at virtually any time of day or night when there’s work that needs to be done. They have made huge investments in their facility in Mallaig to ensure it will provide the best possible service and helping their customers stay on the move seven days a week.

• Retailer Hall of Fame: Art Funk (1960 - 2016), British Columbia

  Art Funk was a driven and passionate retailer during his career at Rolla Agricultural Services Ltd. He was known for treating his customers, employees and community members with unwavering respect. Funk went above and beyond for his customers and employees, and was a pillar in many community organizations.

The CAAR’s Choice Awards banquet was a highlight of the 2017 conference program. Next year’s conference will be held in Saskatoon, from Feb. 13-15, 2018.

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CAAR is the only Canadian national association dedicated to representing agri-retailers across Canada. Agri-retailers actively support Canadian growers in the production of the highest quality food possible by protecting food quality, protecting farm productivity, and long-term sustainability of our industry.

For more information contact: Lynda Nicol
Director of Member Services
Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
204-989-9305
628-70 Arthur Street
Winnipeg, MB R3B 1G7