P.E.I. potato grower John Griffin named 2016 Innovator of the Year

John Griffin of W.P. Griffin Inc. potato growers in Elmsdale, P.E.I. has been named not only one of the top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada by Atlantic Business Magazine, but also CBC Innovator of the Year.

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The winner is chosen from the magazine's top 50 CEOs who "demonstrates the highest level of innovation, either in their leadership style, marketing techniques, or technology adoption/invention," said ABM's executive editor Dawn Chafe.

While others in their sector are shutting down, this business continues to grow and grow and grow. Dawn Chafe, Atlantic Business Magazine

"Wow, we definitely didn't expect this, but I really appreciate it," said John Griffin as he accepted his hardware Thursday at the awards gala in Moncton, N.B.

The magazine's website touts Griffin's business as one "that's constantly finding new ways to grow: from value-added packaging and modernized grading equipment to fresh product varieties and new retail markets."

"This year, the judges selected someone who pursues innovation across all business categories: new products, new machinery, new markets," said Chafe in an email to CBC News.

"While you might be surprised at the importance of innovation to this person's very traditional business, it is very much a core piece of his business strategy. While others in their sector are shutting down, this business continues to grow and grow and grow."

A growing concern

The magazine also pointed out that revenue for Griffin's company has grown 34 per cent in recent years.

Griffin credits his father and company founder Wilfred Griffin with teaching him the business, and good communication with keeping the company alive and growing.

W.P. Griffin has been a family business for almost 70 years and includes sisters Barbara and Eleanor and brother Peter.

Atlantic Business Magazine, founded in 1989, dedicates one of its six annual issues to profiling the region's most successful business leaders, which evolved into a red-carpet awards gala in 11 years ago.

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