After serving with the OVFS for 17 years, Tom Van Dusen leaves his position
By Jennifer Jackson
Tom Van Dusen, long-term general manager for the Ottawa Valley Farm Show (OVFS), resigned from his position, according to an April 12 release.
Prior to his resignation, effective April 10, Van Dusen served for 17 years with the OVFS.
“For most of the time I served in the position, I was pleased and proud to be known as the farm show manager,” Van Dusen said in the release. Van Dusen was a reporter and worked on Parliament Hill prior to joining the OVFS.
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The Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association (OVSGA), which runs the OVFS, met on April 11 to discuss Van Dusen’s recognition. At the meeting, four other long-term directors announced they were also resigning: John and Mary Joynt of Smiths Falls, Jim Arbuckle of Vernon, and Lynda McCuaig of Manotick Station, according to the release.
“The Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association has regretfully received the resignation of our Farm Show General Manager of 17 years, Tom Van Dusen, and four of our very respected honorary directors,” the OVSGA said in an emailed statement to Farms.com.
Van Dusen is thankful for the support of OVFS exhibitors, long-time board members and colleagues, and rural news media.
“It’s been like one big happy family working for the advancement of agriculture.”
The OVFS recently celebrated its 90-year anniversary in March. The 2017 show welcomed 10,711 visitors and over 340 exhibitors, according to the OVSGA statement.
“Our volunteer Board members look forward to welcoming our exhibitors and visitors again at the 2018 Farm Show as we continue to build on the legacy established over the past 90 years,” the statement reads.
The 2018 OVFS will take place on March 13 to 15.