News
Cheque Presentation to the Canadian Potato Museum
Tuesday April 24, 2018
The Canadian Potato Museum continues to showcase our Island History and agriculture. This year we were proud to present the museum with a cheque for $15,655. With a 6 year total of 760,620 bags or 7,606,200 lbs our grand total donation is $190,155.00 Additional sponsors included Sobeys, PEI Potato Board, and the Holman Grand Hotel.
Jackie Gallant Recognised for 50 years of Service
Monday January 15, 2018
Jackie Gallant was recognised recently for 50 years of service with W.P. Griffin Inc. Jackie started working for Wilfred Griffin in 1967. Jackie and his wife Miriam raised 3 children. They both enjoy spending time with family and are looking forward to retirement. The Griffin Family is proud and honoured to celebrate this occasion with Gallant's.
A Dunn Family Tradition
Sunday October 15, 2017
The Dunn Family was recently recognised by W.P. Griffin Inc. for having 3 generations of the family working at the same time. Charlie Dunn (right) started working for Wilfred Griffin in 1965. His father Merrill Dunn and brother Wayne also worked for the Griffin's. Charlie's son Kory (middle) started working for the Griffin's in 2012. Charlie's grandson Cody (left) started working for Griffin's in 2017. Cody stated that "it's what he always wanted to do." The Griffin family is proud and honoured to have the 3 generations of Dunn's working side by side with the rest of the Griffin family and staff.
Potato Blossom Festival Grower Banquet Young Farmer of the Year Award
Friday July 21, 2017
At the 2017 Annual Potato Blossom Festival Grower Banquet, Colton Griffin was presented with the Young Farmer of the Year Award. Colton Griffin is the son of John and Norma Jean Griffin. He grew up at their home in Montrose but enjoyed many trips to the farm and potato packing plant in Elmsdale during his early years. His parents like to tell the story about when he was only around 5 years old how he used to play with his Lego Blocks and pretend he was grading potatoes. Colton graduated from Westisle Composite High School in 2012. In February 2012, he started working at the potato packaging wash plant in Elmsdale. That first winter he did various jobs ranging from building boxes to operating the bagging equipment. That spring Griffin's were short of an potato sprayer operator so his uncle Peter asked him to operate the large self-propelled JD 4920 sprayer and he agreed. Colton attended Holland College in Charlottetown in the fall and winter of 2012-13 studying computer technology. In the spring of 2013, Griffin's were short of an operator to run the 6-Row potato planter and Colton quickly agreed to step into the position. After planting, Colton returned to the potato sprayer for the summer. In the fall of 2014, Colton agreed to take on the responsibilities of Food Safety Officer due to a co-worker that was off on maternity leave. He also agreed to start training to do potato purchasing & sales under the guidance of Garth Smallman. In the winter of 2015 Colton returned to Holland College in Alberton for 1 semester to study Business Administration. In December 2016 Colton began a 1-year part-time farm business management program (C-TEAM program). The program includes 4 study and farm tour modules at various location across Canada. Colton has decided to make farming his full-time pursuit. His current farming duties include operating a potato planter in the spring, operating a potato harvester in the fall and the rest of the year he can be found at the potato packaging wash plant. He has been working hard to keep the facility busy by purchasing potatoes and selling potatoes across North American.
Potato Blossom Festival Grower Banquet Potato Ambassador
Friday July 21, 2017
At the 2017 Annual Potato Blossom Festival Grower Banquet, Emma Jean Griffin was presented with the Potato Ambassador $1,000 scholarship. Emma Jean Griffin is the daughter of John and Norma Jean Griffin. She grew up at their home in Montrose but enjoyed many trips to the farm and potato packing plant in Elmsdale during his early years. Emma Jean graduated from Westisle Composite High School in 2017. She plans to attend St. Thomas University in Fredericton N.B. in the fall to study International Relations. Thanks to O'leary Credit Union and W.P. Griffin Inc. for donating $500 each for the annual scholarship. Congratulations Emma Jean.
Sobey's Extra Fund Raising Event
Saturday July 8, 2017
The Griffin staff were please to participate in the fund-raising event at Sobeys Extra Saint John, NB. We baked and served over 200 baked potatoes. All donations were going to help the Saint John Police and Firefighters travel to a sporting competition in California later this summer.
