Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers announce awards
The Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers has named the recipients of its appreciation awards, given annually to supporters of the state’s local fruit industry. The five award recipients include Mark G. Wright, PhD; David Frenz, Tracie Matsumoto, PhD; Lisa Keith, PhD; and Peter Follet, PhD
“The Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers feels it’s important to recognize those who make significant contributions to the tropical fruit industry across the state,” said Ken Love, executive director. “Past winners include chefs, growers and researchers.”
Wright, of the Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, was cited for his continuous support of Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers and helping statewide growers better understand the benefits of integrated pest management.
Frenz ,of Birds and Budz in Hilo, was recognized for dedication to high quality propagation while helping growers realize there are many plant varieties to consider.
Both are affiliated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service and the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo. Matsumoto and Keith were honored for continuously supporting Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers and its programs through research.
Follet, also of USDA ARS and PBARC, was tapped for Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers support and quarantine update education.
The group also announced its 2016 Hawaii International Tropical Fruit Conference will be Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort on The Garden Isle.
Geared to farmers, educators, orchard managers and proponents of sustainable agriculture, the event is presented by the statewide Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers.
Registration forms, speaker itinerary and fee schedule will be available in April at www.htfg.org or by contacting Love at kenlove@hawaiiantel.net or Mark Suiso at suiso@aloha.net.
Edward Jones recognized as good employer
Financial-services firm Edward Jones was named a 50 Best Workplace for Camaraderie by Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine, according to Bill Cork, a financial advisor in Kailua-Kona.
Edward Jones ranked No. 30 on the list, a ranking based on associates’ own assessments of a sense of team, fun and collegiality at the firm.
Edward Jones was selected based on evaluations by over 255,000 randomly selected employees from nearly 600 participating companies. Employees anonymously answered questions about how frequently they experience the behaviors that create a great workplace. Companies achieving the highest overall results in their size categories were then ranked based on employees’ feedback regarding the quality of the personal connections they experience with colleagues.
Kaloko Fishpond road closed for tree trimming
The access road to Kaloko Fishpond and the parking lot will be closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 7 because of coconut tree trimming.
The Kaloko gravel road, or Ala Nui Kaloko, is off Highway 19 between mile markers 96 and 97.
Info: 326-9057.