January 24, 2003 - Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Dan Wyant today announced that Owosso resident Paul Burke was recently selected for MDA’s 2002 Director’s Commendation Award. The prestigious award was presented to Burke at MDA’s annual Employee Recognition Ceremony, where the Department acknowledges exemplary employees for years of service and accomplishments.

Burke has worked as MDA’s International and New Market Development Manager for the past three years and was specifically recognized for his accomplishments in: advancing the Department’s Continuous Quality Improvements; for taking MDA’s agricultural development efforts to a higher level; for using limited state resources to leverage significant federal and private monies; and for helping the state’s agricultural industry overcome export market barriers. For example, when Michigan apples were precluded from entering Mexico because no protocol agreement was in place regarding inspection and verification of storage control, quality, and pest management, Burke spearheaded the effort that led to the negotiation and signing of an export agreement on Michigan apples.

"Paul’s expertise, innovation, leadership and commitment have made him one of the country’s premier export and marketing leaders and have been key to the state’s success in increasing both international and domestic markets for Michigan agricultural products," Wyant said. "We are extremely proud and honored to have him as part of our team and to recognize him with the 2002 Commendation Award."

Before coming to MDA, Burke was the International Marketing Manager for Bolinger Marketing, Inc., a Missouri-based meat and poultry products trading company. In addition, he has served as director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s International Marketing Program as well as its Taiwan Trade Office, and previously had started a Hong Kong food import business. Burke actually began his career with the Michigan Department of Agriculture as an International Trade Specialist in 1986. He holds an advanced Chinese language studies degree from Taiwan Normal University and a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Michigan State University.

Burke and his wife, Joan, live in Owosso and have three children, Jennifer, Jay and Jillian.