Primera awards three scholarship winners of the inaugural Kropp Strong Scholarship program. Recipients were recognized at Primera’s Annual Meeting and Trade Show July 18-20 in Madison, WI. The Kropp Strong Scholarship program honors past Primera Board Chairman Michael Kropp.
“It was an emotional night,” said CEO Jeff Braun. “This was the first time our entire Membership had been together since we lost Michael to his battle with colon cancer in December. It was only fitting to honor his legacy with the Kropp Strong Scholarship program after the tragedy of losing a friend and colleague like Michael.”
Michael’s wife, Mary Beth, and son, Alex, were able to attend, which made the night very special. Having them in person to hand out the 1st Distinguished Kropp Strong Scholarship was a fitting tribute and winner Hailey Bohrer was the perfect recipient.
Hailey spoke to the group, thanking the Membership, her Mom and Dad, and the Kropp family for supporting her education.
Hailey, a finance major going into her senior year at the University of West Virginia, is the first Distinguished Kropp Strong Scholarship winner, along with Rosabella Pitera, who is pursuing her Medical Doctorate at the University of Minnesota, and John Martin IV, an Engineering student at the University of North Georgia, were also were awarded Kropp Strong Scholarships.
Mary Beth and Alex addressed the Membership, sharing their mission to help eradicate colorectal cancer, encouraging everyone, regardless of age and gender, to pay attention to symptoms and get a regular check-ups from their doctors. “By 2030, colon cancer will be the #1 cancer killer and will affect 1 in 8 people. Don’t become a statistic. Be part of the cure,” said Mary Beth. “Early detection provides the best opportunity to beat cancer until we find the cure.”
The Kropp Strong Scholarship honors and continues the legacy of our past Board Chairman, Michael Kropp, whom we lost in December of 2021 to colorectal cancer. His commitment to Primera and our industry will live on with his wife, Mary Beth, and two sons, Michael Jr and Alex. The Kropp Strong Scholarship is open to full-time employees of Primera Members (Distributor or Supplier) attending an accredited college.
About Primera
Primera is a business cooperative committed to providing our Member-Owners, their Associates, and our Supplier Partners with the tools, skills, knowledge, and innovation that create exceptional returns and competitive advantages that ensure they grow and prosper. Serving professional turf and ornamental, specialty vegetation management, pest control, and aquatic markets. Primera distributors consolidate purchasing across the U.S. to provide national access; unsurpassed, dedicated service, product expertise, and local touch. Our history, values, integrity, and track record show our steadfast support and commitment to turf, ornamental, and specialty industry participants.
