Gregory keynote speaker at Portage County ag banquet

Alan Gregory, agricultural consultant for Wisconsin Public Service Corp. (WPS), will be the featured keynote speaker at the Portage County Business Council American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet on Monday, March 12.

The event will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Dreyfus University Center Laird Room, 1015 Reserve Street, Stevens Point, from 6-9 p.m.

Gregory has a lifetime of involvement in agriculture. He hails from the state of Virginia and now calls Brillion home. He has a unique style of story-telling using his native southern dialect and comedy to keep those in his audience listen to every word.

His presentation at the ag banquet will be "A Lifetime in Ag: A Humorous Reflection."

He was born and raised in the southern town of Richmond, VA, where he spent the majority of his youth. The desire in his heart to pursue a career in agricultural began at an early age.

He received his Bachelor of Arts in Science from Ferrum College in Virginia and held positions after school as a dairy herdsman, field representative for ABS Global for nearly 10 years and various roles as an auctioneer.

Gregory began his career with WPS in October 1999 and is currently an agricultural consultant serving his customers in northern Manitowoc and Kewaunee counties.

His responsibilities include working with their rewire program, Focus on Energy program, farm testing, along with being the point person for new construction, upgrades, relocates, gas and electric engineers, clerks, designers, billing and collections.

In addition, he works with youth through safety days and career days and assists with setting up the WPS Farm Show.

The Portage County Business Council will recognize several individuals who have contributed to the successes of agri-business in Portage County and students in the areas of 4-H and FFA.

Agri-Business Scholarships and the 2012 Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award will also be awarded during the program.

Reservations can be made by contacting the Portage County Business Council at 715-344-1940 or by visiting their web site at www.portagecountybiz.com. The public is invited to attend. The banquet is $25 per person.