PHILADELPHIA, Penn.
Joe Simrany accepted the Cha Jing Award for lifetime achievement along with high praise from a host of tea industry peers Tuesday night.
While a big screen displayed his accomplishments, trips to origin and moments of levity, Simrany, president of the Tea Association of the USA, was cited for a long list of accomplishments.
World Tea Media Director George Jage emceed and John Harney, founder of Harney & Sons Tea and recipient of the 2011 Cha Jing awarded the trophy.
Presenters included Mike Harney and Louise Roberge, president of the Tea Association of Canada; Rona Tison, Senior VP Corporate Relations, ITO EN and Peter Goggi, former head tea buyer for Lipton Tea. Goggi is now executive vice president of the Tea Association of the USA and will succeed Simrany on his retirement in January 2014.
Several hundred crowded the Downtown Marriott Hotel’s ballroom to witness the presentation after the World Tea Expo showroom floor closed. Well-wishers congratulated Simrany and his wife Carol as the two mingled following the presentation.
Simrany, 68, has presided over the Association and its affiliate, the Tea Council of the U.S.A., Inc. as well as the Specialty Tea Institute since 1991. He is a pioneer in organizing trips to origin for U.S. buyers.
Among his more noteworthy accomplishments is his leadership in promoting the health advantages of tea to the public and imparting tea knowledge and skills to tea professionals.
SEE: Joe Simrany Recognized for Lifetime Achievement