4-H Emerald Clover Society Class of 2004—Marjory A. McPherson Veliquette

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.

4-H Emerald Clover Society Class of 2004

Marjory A. McPherson Veliquette

Co-founder/co-operator,
Great Lakes Packing Company

“Because I attended a one-room school through the seventh grade, 4-H formed and developed a wide-open world for me which never would have happened otherwise.…My 30 years of being a 4-H leader just continued my growth and love for 4-H. I hope I have given back to many young people what was so generously given to me!”

Marjory McPherson Veliquette has devoted her life to 4-H and her community. In 1972, she and her husband, Norman, co-founded Great Lakes Packing Company, a cherry processing company that sells over 5 million pounds of cherries per year to Sara Lee, Schwan’s and Costco. She hires and manages about 150 employees per year, including providing housing for some. She is also owner of Nature Sunshine Products, a health and nutrition store, and is a seamstress with a sewing alterations business. Veliquette also was the sole proprietor of Hometown Family Tree Video from 2000 to 2004, a business that made keepsake videos out of family photos, slides and videos. She also worked for Herpolsheimer’s from 1966 to 1972. She received the Elk Rapids Business and Professional Women’s “Woman of the Year” award and the Elk Rapids Citizen of the Year award.

Veliquette has been an Antrim County 4-H volunteer leader for over 30 years, working with up to 250 youth a year. She has established an endowment fund with the Grand Traverse Community Foundation to provide college scholarships for participants in the Miss Elk Rapids pageant and has designed and made costumes for the Elk Rapids Public Schools drama program for 35 years. She is an active member and past officer of the Parish Council of Catholic Women of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in addition to being a donor. She and her husband are also donors to the Michigan 4-H Foundation, Elk Rapids High School, Rotary International, Northwestern Michigan College University Center and the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy.