CAAR extends warm congratulations to a long-time supporter of our association, Ron Helwer, on the news that he will receive an honorary diploma in Agribusiness from Assiniboine Community College. Celebrating over 50 years of business in ag retail, Helwer is president of Manitoba-based companies Shur-Gro Farm Services, Munro Farm Supplies and South East Seeds.

A passionate CAAR supporter for many years and winner of multiple CAAR’s Choice Awards, Helwer has been a strong advocate for the association, and played a key role in founding CAAR’s predecessor, the Western Fertilizer and Chemical Dealers Association (WFCDA). Helwer served as president of WFCDA from 1979 to 1980. 

His industry involvement and hands-on presence in the office have made him a well-known figure in Manitoba’s ag retail sector. His companies are known for providing excellent service and quality products, and Helwer is constantly looking for ways his businesses can improve.

“It would be nice if you could get to a level in business where you say, ‘I’m going to stay at this level.’ But that doesn’t happen,” says Helwer. “My theory is, if we’re not going ahead, we’re going back. So, we need to progress. We need to be forward-thinking and looking for opportunities.”

At 85 years of age, Helwer is showing no signs of slowing down in his quest to find these opportunities and provide quality products and service to his grower customers.

“Friends say, ‘You should be retired,’” Helwer says. “I say, ‘Well, what’s retirement?’ They say, ‘Doing what you want to do.’ I say, ‘That’s what I’m doing.’ I enjoy what I’m doing and the people I work with.”

Helwer will address Assiniboine graduates at their graduation ceremony in Brandon and receive his honourary diploma on Thursday, June 14, 2018.

Congratulations Ron Helwer on receiving this recognition and thank you for your many years of support for CAAR!