Harry MCWATTERS
MLA Bill Barisoff presenting Diamond Jubilee Medal to Harry McWatters
PRESS RELEASE
PENTICTON, BC – DECEMBER 13, 2012 - This Commemorative Medal was created on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. This marks the Queen’s 60th year on the Throne.
These medals are to be presented to persons who have made a significant contribution to a particular province, territory, region or community within Canada.
This medal is to be awarded to persons who have helped to build the Canada of today. Through their achievements and sustained contribution, the medal winners are to have distinguished themselves from others. Today MLA Bill Barisoff will be presenting Four Diamond Jubilee Medals. Bill has chosen one person from each area of his constituency – those being: Dave Kampe from Penticton, Sue Irvine from Naramata, Phyllis Papineau from Peachland, and Harry McWatters from Summerland.
These medal recipients have been chosen for their contributions to their community as well as their contributions to the Province of British Columbia and to Canada…
Harry McWatters has been a leader and driving force in the British Columbia wine industry for the past 40 years. Harry is the founding chair of the British Columbia Wine Institute, and the British Columbia Wine Information Society. He is a Director of the Canadian Vintners Association and founding chairman of VQA Canada and he was instrumental in founding VQA Canada.
Among Harry’s many recognitions are, “Honoury Doctor of Laws Degree” from the University of British Columbia – Okanagan, he is also the recipient of the Order of British Columbia as well he was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. In 2007, Harry was named as one of the “20 most influential People of the Century” by the City of Penticton.
Harry continues to be a driving force for the BC Wine Industry and he continues to participate in many organizations related to the industry.