Schurko walks away with two fresh produce awards 

History was made when Margie Schurko became the first female and the first-time double winner for two awards that are bestowed annually by the BC Produce Marketing Association (BCPMA). 

Schurko received the BCPMA Lifetime Achievement award. She then picked up the BC Produce Person of the Year Award. The awards were presented remotely at the BCPMA’s AGM. After 27 years, as the BCPMA Secretary-Treasurer, Schurko stepped down at the end of December.  Schurko will carry forward in the industry at ABC/PCB Customs Brokers. 

“We are very pleased that Margie, a CBSA Professional Designate, will continue to work with us. During covid, Margie has been instrumental in getting word out about our PCB Learning centre and continues to tend to ongoing trade business and shipping requirements,” states Dave Bucholtz, President, ABC Custom Brokers. 

Margie still volunteers on the boards of several organizations including the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) and BC Chefs’ Association. 

Throughout her career, Margie has worked to develop and expand the role of the BCPMA, connecting vendors, suppliers, growers and all those involved in any aspect of Fresh Produce business in BC,” states Ron Lemaire, President, CPMA. “She has worked tirelessly and passionately to put fresh produce on the plates of Canadian. Her ongoing collaboration with the CPMA is appreciated and respected.” 
Philip Wong, President, Produce Terminal, felt that Margie took on a huge task, in transforming BCPMA into a highly respected industry Association. Her dedication and hard work, connecting with members, suppliers, associations, charities and other trade associations has created a very solid association. 

Joe Chow, retired produce professional, talked about the challenges of navigating the male dominated industry with aplomb. “Margie was always the first person and the last person to leave, whether it was a golf tournament, a gala, or another industry events,” noted Joe.    
“All the campaigns you have run, all the amazing events you have hosted, you have run some of the best industry events that I’ve ever seen,” stated Jeff Gaston, Managing Director of North American Sales for Sunkist.

Davis Yung, President, Fresh Direct Produce, “I’ve enjoyed working with Margie and I’m very grateful for the work done in supporting the produce industry in everything from the BC Children’s Hospital, BC Cancer Society, BC Heart and Stroke, and Quest Food Exchange. Even when it has been a daunting task Margie have always come through with sponsorships and donations for the BCPMA.”

“The long-running 20 years of the Healthy Chef competition, where we tied in retail to foodservice was a highly anticipated event. Everything was focused on trying to increase the percentage of produce on a dinner plate,” noted Chris Yli-Luoma, FreshGuru. “Margie’s fingerprint was on very aspect of this event”

Duda Farm Fresh Foods’ Senior Vice President of Sales, Rick Alcocer, fondly recalls his tenure as Chair of the CPMA 2017 and the support that was given to him by Margie.

“Your support over the years has been tremendous,” stated Angela Santiago CEO, Co-founder, The Little Potato Company. She went on to add that Margie was one of the first persons she has ever met when she started her company 25 years ago. 

Alejandro Sucre, Blue House Organics, stated, “You made sure that local produce flies high in BC and I certainly appreciate all the support you have given to me to ensure that networking opportunities were made available to me.”

Since joining the BCPMA in 1994, Schurko has passed through 12 different presidents over the decades. Creativity, enthusiasm, persistence, and dedication were all traits used to describe Schurko.

Going forward, she is committed to building positive relationships and fostering collaboration with all stakeholders. 

Notes about the awards mentioned: 

BCPMA Produce Person of the Year Award is given annually to an individual that has demonstrated on a regular basis, untiring efforts to improve the quality, distribution or consumption of fruits and vegetables marketed within or outside the province of British Columbia through innovation, cooperation and hard work. This person should be currently active in the BC produce industry and have a minimum of 10 years in the industry and be a BCPMA member in good standing.

BCPMA Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded annually to an individual that has demonstrated over many years’ untiring efforts to improve the quality, distribution of fruits and vegetables marketed within or outside the Province of British Columbia through innovation, cooperation and hard work. This person does not necessarily have to be currently active in the BC Produce industry