The Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida just appointed Roger Hatton, a lifelong resident of the Glades, to their board of directors at its May board meeting. He will fill the un-expired term of John Schlechter ending January 2008 following Schlechter’s announced resignation from the Board this month.

They also announced the naming of George H. Wedgworth, the President of the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, as the “Sugar Man of the Year – 2005.”

Mr. Wedgworth, a veteran of nearly 50 years in the sugar industry, received the coveted Dyer Memorial Award on May 11 at an affair at the Yale Club in New York City. Mr. Wedgworth’s insight and forceful determination led to the remarkable development of the sugar industry in Florida. He organized a group of 52 farmers to build a sugarcane mill in Florida. Through his vision and leadership the Cooperative has become a partner in a company that is the largest producer of sugar in the United States, and the only one with a national presence. His efforts created thousand of jobs in Florida and have stimulated the state’s economy. Mr. Wedgworth is the 48th recipient of the Dyer Award, which is named after the founder of B.W. Dyer & Company, a 103-year old brokerage company in sweeteners and foods.