Joy Marvin of Clayton, Michigan recently received the 2008 Excellence in Dairy Promotion Award for exceptional dedication to the dairy industry. 

The Award, sponsored by the Dairy Diplomats of Michigan, recognizes an outstanding Michigan dairy farmer for his or her commitment to dairy product promotion. Award recipients have devoted many years of service to the industry and their local community. 

   

Joy Marvin and Julie Schwab at the 2008 Dairy Product Promotion Seminar.

   

    Joy Marvin is a charter member of the United Dairy Industry of Michigan Dairy Diplomat Committee, a statewide volunteer committee formed in 1981. She has provided exceptional leadership to the Dairy Diplomat Committee.

    “Joy promotions are always approached with enthusiasm and professionalism,” says Staci Garcia, Coordinator of Public and Member Relations at UDIM. “It comes as no surprise that she was chosen for this award.”

    Whether talking to mothers, students or county and state legislators, Joy helps explain where milk comes from, the life of a dairy farmer and the importance of dairy products in a healthy diet. Joy participates in dairy promotions at the Michigan State Fair, the Great Dairy Adventure, and countless events in Lenawee County. During the month of June – June Dairy Month – Joy organizes and works with the local chapter of the American Red Cross to sponsor the “Give a Pint, Get a Pint” program. Everyone who gives a pint of blood during the month of June receives a pint of milk. Joy also provides on-site tours of Marvin Farms to over 600 visitors per year.

    Besides Joy’s agricultural interests, she is a member of The Alter Guild at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, secretary for Marvin Farms, president of the area Women’s Club and member of the Red Hat Society.

    Beyond all of her accomplishments, Joy’s family comes first and foremost in her life. “Joy is an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and friend,” says Maria Marvin, Joy’s daughter-in-law. “She attends all of her grandchildren’s sporting events, award nights and any important function to support her family.”

    The Dairy Diplomats of Michigan and United Dairy Industry of Michigan are honored to have the distinct pleasure of working closely with Joy Marvin for many years.

 

    Lillian Gremel of Sebewaing, Michigan is recipient of the 2006 Excellence in Dairy Promotion Award for exceptional dedication to the dairy industry and her community. 

    The Excellence in Dairy Promotion award, sponsored by the Dairy Diplomats of Michigan, annually recognizes an outstanding Michigan dairy farmer for his or her commitment to promoting dairy products. Award recipients possess a long history of dairy promotion accomplishments and service to the industry and their local community. 
 

Lillian Gremel and Sara Long at the 2006 Dairy Product Promotion Seminar.

    Lillian has actively participated in numerous statewide dairy promotions for over 40 years. She is a 26-year historian and charter member of the Huron County Dairy Diplomats where she has served as secretary for 21 years.

    Lillian has provided exceptional leadership to the Kellogg New Horizons Program and 4-H State Program Committee for 40 years. As a member of Farm Bureau for 50 years, she has participated in a number of educational programs such as Adopt-A-Cow, Ag in the Classroom and Project RED.

    Lillian and her husband Harold, married 52 years, farm over 1,000 acres and milk over 70 registered cows. Together, they have been past recipients of the West Huron MMPA Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award, MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Couple Award, MSU Dairy Farmer of the Year and established Quite-A-Bunch, a Huron County Farm Bureau community action group.

    “Her dedication is just amazing,” says Debbie Kubacki, who nominated Lillian for the Excellence in Dairy Promotion Award. “She has met so many challenges in her lifetime, earning her much respect and admiration; that I feel she truly symbolizes what this award represents.”