Lynn Reynolds of Wisconsin volunteered many hours to the IMSI, serving as President in 1992 and 1993 and as Executive Secretary since 1995, until a heart attack took him away from us on August 30, 1998. In his honor, the IMSI established a yearly award to recognize an IMSI member who has been an active leader on an International level within the previous 5 years.

Gary Gaudette was the first to receive this award, at the 1999 Annual Meeting in Maine. Gary is from St. Albans, Vermont and has been Treasurer of the IMSI for many years. He is also the President of Leader Evaporator Co. Inc. of St. Albans, VT.

At the 2000 annual meeting held in Burlington, VT, the Lynn Reynolds award went to Wilson “Bill” Clark of Wells, VT. Bill has been active with both the IMSI and NAMSC in addition to serving as President of the Vermont Sugarmakers Association for countless years.

Minnesota was the host State in 2001. Paul Richards of Richards Maple Products in Chardon, Ohio was given the honor. Paul and Lynn had been best of friends, having driven together from the Midwest to the Eastern States and Canada to a variety of maple meetings.

At the 2002 meeting in New Hampshire, Luc Lussier was the surprised honoree. Luc is General Manager of the Citadelle Maple Syrup Cooperative located in Plessisville, Quebec. Luc is currently serving as President of the North American Maple Syrup Council, and is a past president of the IMSI.

Although the person to receive the award is selected by the current IMSI President and a Selection Committee, your suggestions are always welcome. If you would like to make a nomination, contact the current President, Gerard Filion, president of Les Cruchons J.U.G.S., Hawkesbury, Ontario by Email at: gerard@cruchonsjugs.com