2002 4-H Centennial Alumni-The Inaugural Class of the Emerald Clover Society

Recognized by
Michigan 4-H Youth Development

With support from
Michigan 4-H Foundation

Last updated: June 30, 2006

The Emerald Clover Society reflects the ultimate outcome of 4-H membership—extraordinary use of an individual's head, heart, hands and health to make our communities, our country and our world a better place in which to live.

2002 4-H Centennial Alumni: The Inaugural Class of the Emerald Clover Society

George A. McManus, Jr. George A. McManus, Jr., Grand Traverse County 4-H'er

Retired Senator – 36th District,
Michigan Senate

George A. McManus, Jr. retired from the Michigan Senate in 2002. He was state senator for 12 years and is a fourth-generation Grand Traverse County cherry farmer. Before being elected to serve the citizens of the northern Lower Peninsula, he was a county Extension director for Michigan State University for 25 years. He was a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and contributed to the health of agriculture in Michigan through his leadership of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on agriculture and natural resources. He also served as a member of the higher education, retirement and capital outlay subcommittees. He also served on the Michigan Agricultural Commission for six years.

McManus served as president of the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce and as president Cherry Growers Inc., a fruit processing company. He has served as president of the Rotary Club of Traverse City and as board secretary of the Rotary Charities of Traverse City. He is a member of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Elks Club, the Munson Hospital Centurions, the Knights of Columbus and the Farm Bureau of Northwest Michigan. He also spent 20 years as a trustee of Northwestern Michigan College and a director of the Northwestern Michigan College Foundation.