By Dale Bliss, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
The Plant City Greater Chamber of Commerce held its 2012 Salute to Agriculture breakfast Wednesday. The event is sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida.
Five awards were presented before an audience of more than 200 at the Evelyn & Batista Madonia Sr. Agricultural Show Center on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds.
Joel Connell received the 2012 Young Agriculturist award. Connell, born and raised in Plant City, is a fifth-generation member of his family.
Jane Bender received the Agriculture Educator award. Bender, who is now retired after a 35-year career, related how much she treasured the moments she shared with agricultural students.
The AgriBusiness of the Year award went to the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau for its continued support of agriculture.
Michelle Williamson, a board member of the Farm Bureau, received the Agriculturist of the Year award. She oversees Ag Literacy Day ...