Mike Ecker, president of Vineland Growers Co-operative, has received the 2020 Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ecker has dedicated his career, spanning 45 years to date, serving the produce industry at the Vineland Growers Co-operative, the longest continually run co-operative in Ontario, having been established 107 years ago in 1913. In his role as president, he manages relationships with over 300 grower members to facilitate marketing of fresh fruit to retail chains. Through the course of his career he has been involved in a variety of produce related associations.
“Mike is incredibly deserving of the CPMA Lifetime Achievement Award, not only for his achievements at the Vineland Growers Co-operative, but in particular for the thousands of hours he has contributed in volunteer positions over his career” says Ron Lemaire, CPMA president. “His commitment to the growth and development of the industry continues to leave a lasting impression with everyone he meets.”
His previous accolades include being named the Ontario Produce Person of the Year in 2007 and receiving a Senate of Canada Sesquicentennial Medal in 2017 as part of the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation, awarded to only 1,500 Canadians whose generosity, dedication, volunteerism and hard work have made their communities a better place to live.
