After my 25th year in packaging I am retiring to pursue my passion for Organic Veg Farming and to complete my Advanced Diploma in Urban Permaculture.
More than half my life was spent servicing this dynamic industry that I have watched grow from 50 wineries to over 400. I started under the tutelage of Roy Griffith while at Richards Packaging, not knowing how important this industry would become to me, or the foundation it would lay for me personally.
After Roy’s retirement many of you willingly taught me what you needed and how you run your business. Your passion has in turn inspired my passion and I would like to acknowledge some special people who helped in my success.
Walter Gehringer & Family, Roland Krueger & Family, The Heiss Family, Pete Slamka, Rob Summers, David Fallis, Larry and Linda Gerelus, Norman Cole, Martin Esser, Bill Eggert, Eric von Krosigk, Michael Bartier, John & Lynn Bremmer, Joe Zuppiger, Jack Manzer; thank you for walking me through your years of learning and entrusting me with your business.
Thanks as well to some amazing women who are pioneers in this industry and who showed me anything is possible: Sandra Oldfield, Korol Kukol, Prudence Maher, Anna Manola, Severine Piente, Nikki Callaway, Kathy Malone, Cynthia Enns, Alison Moyes, Deborah Wilde, Aura Rose.
I hope you’ll give my successors the same opportunities. I am pleased to have Michelle Thornburn, along with Derek Payne who have vast knowledge of the industry, joining the Tricor team. They, along with VP of Wines Andrew Bottene, will lead this team into the next phase of sourcing packaging for our great BC wineries.
This industry will always be dear to my heart and my gates are open for you anytime you’re on the coast.
Find me at hcook@campbellvalleyfarms.com or www.campbellvalleyfarms.com
Thank you and bless you all