Washington State Potato Foundation to Honor Pete Taggares

Over 250 Agricultural Professionals to Attend Recognition Banquet at the 2007 Potato Conference

MOSES LAKE, WA        - The Washington State Potato Foundation has named the late Pete Taggares as the winner of the 2007 Industry Leadership Award.   Janet Taggares will accept this award on behalf of her husband during the fourth annual Washington State Potato Foundation Industry Leadership Banquet on Wednesday, February 7, beginning at 6 p.m. at the ATEC Conference Center,  on the Big Bend Community College campus in Moses Lake.   Tickets are available for $75 each or corporate sponsorships of $600 for a table of eight.   Taggares was selected from a group of agricultural industry nominations and a selection committee, who based decisions on demonstrated leadership capabilities and contributions to the potato industry.  

            With this honor, a one-year scholarship will also be dedicated in his name.   The Pete Taggares Leadership Award will be awarded to one college bound youth during the 2007-2008 school year.   “Mr. Taggares is an exemplary leader who can serve as a great role model for college students who aspire to a career in the agriculture industry,” says Dale Lathim, WSPF Board Chairman.

        Taggares passed away in 1999 at age 67.   In 1959, he had moved to Othello, where he was one of the pioneers responsible for transforming a sagebrush area into one of the nation's most productive farming regions. He established the potato processing industry in Washington and in 1964 built the state's first large french fry plant, Chef Reddy Foods in Othello. He also owned the Snake River Concord grape vineyard, one of the largest in the country of that type.   Taggares, the son of Greek immigrants, maintained a relatively low profile outside agriculture circles, despite being called one of the 10 most powerful men in the state by the Associated Press in 1978.

        Connell Oil will support the WSPF Industry Banquet by sponsoring a raffle for a year’s supply of fuel, with all proceeds to underwrite additional scholarships for college bound youth aspiring to agricultural careers.  

The Washington State Potato Foundation was established in 2000 and supports educational opportunities, philanthropic giving, research and training in Washington’s potato industry.   The WSPF funds student scholarships and supports educational workshops that enhance Washington State’s agricultural industry.   For additional information about the Industry Leadership Banquet or Washington State Potato Foundation, contact Kellee Balcom at (509) 528-4144.

WHO :                Washington State Potato Foundation Industry Award Banquet

WHAT :             Presentation of the 2007 Industry Leader Award

WHEN :             Wednesday, February 7, 2007

                        6-11 p.m.

WHERE :            ATEC Conference Center, Big Bend Community College

                        Bolling Street

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