Black Star Farms managing partner and sought after national speaker, Don Coe, wins Rueben Brigham Award from The Association for Communication Excellence in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Life and Human Sciences.
The Reuben Brigham Award, established in 1947, is reserved for a communicator, including a public relations or advertising professional, who has made a major contribution in the field of agriculture, natural resources, or life and human sciences at the regional, national or international level.

Coe was nominated for the extensive oral and written communication work he does in the field of agriculture. Over the past year he has presented at numerous Midwest conferences on creating an “agricultural destination" winery, has appeared on a local entrepreneur radio show, as well as, on Michigan Public radio to speak on agricultural issues. His involvement also includes a half dozen authored articles for magazines on wineries and issues pertaining to farming. He is also an active member of the statewide MSU Ag Extension and Horticulture Station Advisory Council and serves as one of Michigan’s five appointed Commissioners to the Michigan Department of Agriculture. In both these positions he is called upon to appear at public hearings, give interviews and attend meeting on behalf of agriculture issues.

Coe graduated in 1962 with a degree in hotel administration from Cornel University. After a long career in the hotel/hospitality industry he was recruited by Hiram Walker to work in the marketing and sales arena of the international marketplace.

According to Eleanor and Ray Heald of Appellation America,“Today, he is a mover and shaker in the farm-to-table movement, advocating fresh, local food and local wines”

The Rueben Brigham Award will be presented to Coe Friday, June 13th at the Haggerty Center.