Colorado State Universtiy Cooperative Extenion Honors Robert Briggs with Friend of Extension Award

Robert Briggs, longtime leader of the green industry of Colorado, was recognized Sept. 26 with the Friend of Extension award for his service to Colorado State University Cooperative Extension.

The Friends of Extension award is given to businesses or individuals who make significant contributions to Cooperative Extension. Cooperative Extension is dependant upon the help of others to make a difference in every corner of the state.

"Through his leadership and vision, Bob has been successful in pulling the green industry together and then establishing effective relationships, coordination and collaboration between the industry and Colorado State University, particularly Cooperative Extension," said Milan Rewerts, Colorado State Cooperative Extension director.

While serving as Adams County commissioner, Briggs was instrumental in creating and funding a greenhouse Cooperative Extension position for the Front Range.

Briggs’ leadership and tenacity within the green industry in Colorado resulted in the horticulture community forming nine organizations to facilitate industry and community communication. Specific efforts include Planttalk Colorado, the Plant Select Program and the Flower Trial Gardens.

His work in the various aspects of the green industry and Cooperative Extension led to the establishment of the Denver Post Garden Section. Briggs helped establish the Colorado State Holly Professorship with an endowment of $50,000 in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and college scholarships in the amount of $20,000 per year.

Through Briggs’ involvement with professional and volunteer organizations as well as his leadership in various elected and appointed positions, he has become an effective spokesperson for this kind of industry-university relationship.

The Distinguished Service Award, both for the Colorado Flower Growers Association and the Denver Regional Council of Governments, have been awarded to Briggs. Gamma Sigma Delta, Colorado State University, honored his work with the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award. Briggs is currently a candidate for State Representative in Colorado.