Ag leader Kim McConnell honored by Calgary Business Leaders

Agricultural communications entrepreneur Kim McConnell has been recognized as an inspirational business leader by the University of Calgary's Haskayne School of Business and the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

“We are thrilled to honor a visionary and respected leader in ag and food whose work has demonstrated how innovation, leadership and a deep respect for her field can lead to inspiring results and impact across the sector,” said Gina Grandy, dean. In an April 10 news release from Haskayne Business School.

“We celebrate not only his achievements over a long career, but also his commitment to ensuring a sustainable future for all of us.”

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McConnell, now a graduate of the University of Manitoba based in Alberta, started an agricultural communications and marketing business in his basement in 1984. This company became AdFarm, one of the largest agricultural marketing companies in North America.

He has also served on the boards of the Canadian Center for Food Integrity (CCFI), 4-H Canada and the Calgary Stampede Foundation, according to CCFI's website.

McConnell was inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2012 and was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2017.

He says family and “entrepreneurial spirit” are personal inspirations.

“Helping and inspiring entrepreneurs is something I really enjoy and something I find very inspiring,” McConnell said in a news release.

McConnell will receive the award on June 20 at a banquet in Calgary.