Houlihan Receives Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award

Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Executive Director Tamas Houlihan received the Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award from the Portage County Business Council.

The Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award is presented to an individual for commitment to the progress of the agribusiness industry. Awardees also make significant contributions to the agribusiness community.

Portage County Ag Agent Ken Schroeder presented the award to Houlihan, saying, “Businessman Tamas Houlihan has been a force in Wisconsin agriculture for many years.”

“For the previous 27 years, he served as the Managing Editor of The Badger Common’Tater magazine,” continued Schroeder. “That magazine is the official voice of the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry.”

At the WPVGA, Houlihan received a Distinguished Service Award in 1997 and the President’s Award in 2001 and 2015. He also received the Agri-Communicator Award in 2008 and the Wisconsin Seed Potato Industry Leadership Award in 2011. He was also honored with the National Potato Council President’s Award in 2020.

“Tamas’s community involvement is second to none,” Schroeder said. “Leading numerous meetings, serving on industry boards, advocating where needed, facilitating contract negotiations, participating in events and conferences, campaigning for fundraisers, grant writing, and so much more, all to improve community relations and help address the industry’s issues and concerns.”

“Tamas has made his mark as one of our community’s most respected, influential leaders. He is a pillar of our community,” Schroeder concluded. “We are pleased you have chosen Portage County as the place to make a difference, Tamas, because indeed, you have!”

In accepting the award, Houlihan said, “I am deeply honored and humbled to stand before you today. This recognition is not just a testament to my individual efforts, but a celebration of the collective dedication and resilience of all those who work tirelessly in the fields, day in and day out, to feed the world. As well as those who help them do so.”

He then emphasized the outstanding work done by the staff of the WPVGA. He said, “Their hard work, guidance, encouragement, and unwavering belief in the importance of our work have been the driving force behind all my achievements. I could not do it without them, and they are directly responsible for me receiving this award.”