The ongoing partnership between Olds College and Mountain View County (MVC) in the promotion of the agriculture industry is of great value to the entire region, says MVC reeve Bruce Beattie.
“The college is one of the diamonds in the county,” said Beattie. “They are focusing more and more on agriculture and that is what the focus of the county is, trying to support agriculture.
“We have a strong and developing relationship with the college. I think we all recognize the economic spinoff of the college. There is an ongoing recognition of the value of Olds College.”
The college has named Mountain View County the Olds College Partner of the Year, officials said last week.
Over the years the county has donated more than $1 million to the college, including a recent $500,000 donation to the college’s Werklund Agriculture Institute.
“The support Olds College has received from Mountain View County is a testament to our strong, long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship,” said college president Stuart Cullum. “I would like to thank Mountain View County for their continued commitment towards investing in agriculture, investing in our students and investing in Olds College.”
Beattie added: “Our municipality’s partnership with the college extends well beyond provision of funds or approvals for projects and initiatives, but into a true working relationship based on common interests, goals and belief in rural innovation and advancement.”
The official presentation of the Partner of the Year award will take place at the college’s Homestead Feast fundraiser on April 13.
