WATERLOO — Bill Lutz, president of The Waterloo Container Company, was able to spend some time with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and state Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets Richard Ball while attending the Taste NY Reception in Albany recently.
“Bill will never pass up an opportunity to support our farmers,” said Mark C. Pitifer of Waterloo Container. “Heading to Albany each year with members of our local and state Farm Bureau, local farmers, and business representatives is vital to the overall growth and success of the agricultural industry in New York. Many of our customers are grape growers, and a lot of the policies being discussed in Albany can have a tremendous impact on our beloved wineries, breweries, distilleries, and farms.”
Pitifer noted that the local company works side-by-side with the Farm Bureau to promote the agriculture industry in NYS to elected officials and also to make them aware of how some of the bills and thoughts could be tailored to best suit the needs of the farmers.
“Working with the Seneca County Farm Bureau is a complete pleasure, and we thank Emory Oese-Siegel, Mark James, Brittany Updike, and the team for a very productive trip this year,” Pitifer said. “Waterloo Container would also like to thank Senator Tom O’Mara, Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan, and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano for being true advocates and supporters for our local farmers. Thank you for listening to our collective concerns and coming up with actionable plans that yield solutions for our hardworking farmers.”
Oese-Siegel, president of Seneca County Farm Bureau, said: “For the past 15 years, Seneca County Farm Bureau has been pleased to partner with Waterloo Container and its founder and president Bill Lutz. Not only has Bill been a Farm Bureau member, but he has collaborated with Farm Bureau to promote and advocate for the agricultural industry at the local, state, and national levels. For the past several years, Waterloo Container has showcased its products at New York Farm Bureau’s annual Taste of New York Reception in Albany, while teaming up with us to advocate for our farmers through in-depth meetings and discussions with our elected officials. This premier event draws over five hundred farmers, agri-businesses, commodity groups, and elected officials to sample the bounty of New York Agriculture. Waterloo Container has been side by side with other Farm Bureau leaders to meet with elected officials to advocate for issues that directly affect the farm community. We are grateful to Bill and his staff for their unwavering support.”
“We also got the opportunity to speak directly with our governor and the Commissioner of Ag & Markets on growing both tourism and our industries in NYS,” added Pitifer. “Continuing our discussions with State representatives allows Waterloo Container to advocate for our customers while staying at the forefront of the discussions influencing decision making which will ultimately grow the Wine and Craft Beverage Industries and support agriculture in New York.
