Del Smith Nomination for WIN 2009 - Innovator of the Year Award

After completing a series of blog posts on Evergreen Aviation last night, as part of the History of Innovation in the Willamette Valley project, I realized that there was an ideal candidate for the first WIN 2009 Innovators award.

Del Smith, he founded Evergreen in 1940 and still is active in running this global enterprise from its headquarters in McMinnville, Oregon. Evergreen employs more than 4,500 people, has 100 locations worldwide.

Evergreen International Aviation, Inc. is a portfolio diverse companies. With international operating authority and a network of global offices and affiliates, Evergreen consists of an international cargo airline that owns and operates a fleet of Boeing 747’s, an unlimited aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility, a full-service helicopter company, and aircraft ground handling company, and an aircraft sales and leasing company. In addition to these endeavors, Evergreen owns and operates Evergreen Agricultural Enterprises and is headquartered next to the not-for-profit Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, home of the “Spruce Goose”.

The company has been recognized for its long history innovations in aircraft, forestry and farming. Its Spruce Goose 2004 Oregon Pinot Gris recently won one of the wine industry’s most prestigious awards.

Last week, Evergreen's Boeing 747 Supertanker, was used to combat the deadly fires that have blackened more than 105,000 acres around Los Angeles. The Supertanker is the world’s largest and fastest firefighting aircraft and can deliver more than 20,000 gallons of fire retardant with considerable accuracy (using a unique pressurized delivery system).

Delford M. Smith has given a lifetime of service to his family, company, country and the Willamette Valley. He has received many honors and awards. In 2002, he was recognized by The Horatio Alger Association for his innovative leadership in the aviation industry and for his humanitarian and relief projects worldwide.

In 2008, Smith received, The International Air Cargo Association's Hall of Fame award which recognizes and honors air cargo professionals for excellence and outstanding contributions, achievements, performance and innovation.

I have posted articles and a video about Del Smith on my 9/0/09 blog post in Innovational Musings.

I think it would set a high bar for our first award to consider someone the caliber of Mr. Smith and therefore am proud to submit his name for this year's Willamette Innovators award.