Award recipients: Tom Storey (far left), David French, Tim Schinkel, Shaun Sullivan, and Dave Baute (far right). November 23, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)Award recipients: Tom Storey (far left), David French, Tim Schinkel, Shaun Sullivan, and Dave Baute (far right). November 23, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
Chatham

Celebrating Agricultural Excellence

An elite few have been recognized at the 70th annual Rural Urban Awards Dinner.

The dinner and award ceremony took place Wednesday night at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre.

Corporate Communications student Shaun Sullivan is the 4H Member of the Year award. Sullivan says he was away at St. Clair College in Windsor when he found out about the award.

"I was in my dorm room at college when they called so I was a little shocked but honoured," says Sullivan.

The recognition stems from his time spent volunteering within the community and his work as a 4H member. Sullivan adds he's been a member of the youth organization for seven years and plans to continue his work as an active member.

"It definitely helps you - prepares you for the future," says Sullivan.

The award for Agriculture Innovator of the Year went to Schinkel's Legacy.

"We've always been a small family organization that supports the local supply chain and we also sell very local," says Manager Tim Schinkel.

Schinkel's Legacy has been in Chatham for over 20 years. Schinkel says the key to survival is to constantly be innovating.

"We've seen gluten free, sodium reduced - now you hear a lot of talk about antibiotic-free and organics have come a long way over the last ten years," says Schinkel. "You're rather foolish to be able to shun away from that stuff, so we've always embraced change."

Other winners of the night include Dave Baute for Agriculturist Of The Year and Storey Samways Planning Ltd. for the Friend of Agriculture award.

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