Mike Smalley, Ralph and Nancy Hanscome honoured
Three new members were inducted into the Potato World’s Hall of Recognition during their annual gala in September.
The awards honour contributions to the area’s potato industry. Tammy Kirkland is the manager of Potato World. She said this year’s event was the largest they’ve held, with 188 in attendance.
The night began with a social hour, followed by a catered meal, with live music provided by Jack McAffee.
Kirkland said that while hosting such an event is “a lot of work,” she was grateful for the help provided by the District of Carleton North in setting up and staging. Second Wind Music Centre also contributed to the night, allowing organizers to use their sound system. Smoyd’s Catering was in charge of the meal.
“Our Potato World staff also did an amazing job,” said Kirkland.
The 2024 inductees are Mike Smalley and Ralph and Nancy Hanscome.
Reid Culberson introduced Mike Smalley. Culberson noted that Smalley had a “keen interest in agriculture” from an early age. After taking trades classes in welding, machinery, and electrical, he started his own manufacturing business with his father; Smalley’s Welding and Repair Ltd. opened in 1974. Initially, the company manufactured a variety of farm equipment. However, they eventually chose to focus on equipment for the potato industry. Thanks to his years of building, repairing, and servicing crucial equipment, Smalley “became and has remained a vital component in the successful New Brunswick potato industry.”
In addition to his years serving the industry, Smalley has been an active community member, spending his time volunteering and participating in the Elks Club and snowmobile clubs. He was also a vital supporter of the Greenfield Cemetery. Throughout the years, he has also devoted significant time to mentoring young people and helping to ensure the industry’s success.
Dave Bell introduced Ralph and Nancy Hanscome. He told the crowd that the couple had spent more than 45 years serving the agricultural industry. With the help of Ralph’s background in farming and agriculture and Nancy’s background in business, in 1993, they established Atlantic Potato Distributors Ltd. Those early years were spent brokering seed potatoes from the basement of their home in Wicklow, N.B. However, by 1995, they had built their first packing facility in Perth-Andover, NB. By 2008, the Hanscomes were one of the largest employers in the area, with over 100 employees.
The Hanscomes received several awards, including being named Entrepreneurs of the Year in 2008, receiving the New Brunswick INNOV8 Award for Innovation Excellence in Value Added Food in 2013, numerous vendor recognition awards, and multiple features in the Canadian Business Executive Magazine.
The Hanscomes have dedicated much time to volunteering, offering their time to the Rotary Club of Perth-Andover, local community schools, and more. They have also spent much time promoting conservation efforts in Africa, supporting local villages with safe food acquisition, creating jobs, and supporting economic development.
