CASTROVILLE, Calif. – (May 11, 2012) – Joe Pezzini, chief operating officer Ocean Mist Farms, received the Valley of the World Ag Leader award from the National Steinbeck Center.
The award honors an individual whose work has broken new ground and/or who has added significantly to the industry while making a difference in the community in which they live.
Pezzini received the honor at the 9th Annual Valley of the World Awards Event, May 10 at Corral De Tierra Country Club in Salinas.
Photo: Ed Boutonnet, CEO and Joe Pezzini COO on 5/10/12 at award ceremony
The National Steinbeck Center established the Annual Valley of the World Awards to recognize key pioneers of the Salinas Valley agricultural industry. Over the years it has become a proud community tradition that has honored many distinguished and accomplished individuals.
“Every year we come together to honor very special individuals of incredible integrity and accomplishment and their families,” said Sandra Silva, development and membership manager, the National Steinbeck Center. “Their achievements are testaments to the remarkable advancements in our industry - innovation, leadership, generosity and vision. These are some of the qualities each of them share.”
Award Committee Chair Lorri Koster said, “Joe’s leadership following the spinach food safety crisis in 2006 was unprecedented and may be his biggest achievement, but he has always been there for our industry and our community and continues to lead us into the future.”
Ed Boutonnet, Ocean Mist Farms CEO said, “Joe Pezzini leads by example. He is humble, pragmatic, exhibits sincerity, maintains a calm demeanor and is a consensus builder. An invaluable asset to both Ocean Mist Farms and the industry in which he serves, Joe is most definitely a deserving recipient of the Valley of the World Ag Leader award.” |