Ag Commissioner Bronson Receives 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award

By:
Kris

Source(s):
Marilyn Norman mnnorman@mail.ifas.ufl.edu, (352) 846-0996 ext. 225

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson received the Florida 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award at the Florida 4-H Foundation’s annual fundraising auction in Tallahassee last week.

“His commitment to youth development and passion for excellence are evident,” said Sam Ard, last year’s award recipient and this year’s presenter. “He has been a real asset to the 4-H program.”

A fifth-generation Floridian, Bronson grew up involved with 4-H and Future Farmers of America and spent 30 years in agriculture as a rancher, legislator, senator and public servant. With family agriculture roots dating back to 1635, Bronson’s life has revolved around agriculture.

Realizing the need to develop future leaders at an early age, Bronson has been an avid proponent of agricultural education and youth development programs such as 4-H.

According to state 4-H leader Marilyn Norman, Bronson has led the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to be one of Florida 4-H’s strongest partners. He loaned Florida 4-H the services of the department’s marketing department to help develop a volunteer marketing and recruitment campaign.

“I know he was thrilled to receive the award and can’t think of any other organization he’d prefer to be affiliated with or receive an award from than 4-H,” said Terence McElroy, press secretary and communication director for Bronson. “4-H’s efforts to involve young people in leadership in agriculture is performing an indispensable task for the future of Florida agriculture.”

With the help of more than 15,000 adult volunteers who raise funds, mentor young people and assist with programs, 4-H worked with 271,000 youth in Florida’s 67 counties last year.

Bronson lives in Tallahassee with his wife, Regina, and daughters, Michelle and Melanie.

Previous award recipients include Robert Milligan, Bud “Irlo” Bronson and Frank Brogan and his late wife, Mary.

The Florida 4-H Foundation is a direct support organization of the University of Florida. The 4-H youth development program is part of UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. It provides hands-on educational programs for youth ages 5-18. For more information visit http://www.florida4h.org.

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Posted: March 28, 2003


Category: UF/IFAS



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