(Greenwich, CT—2012) — The American Pet Products Association (APPA) announced today that the Association’s prestigious Hall of Fame Award, created in 1968, has been renamed in honor of the late Rolf C. Hagen. A leader in the pet industry, Hagen is also a past recipient of APPA’s Hall of Fame Award.
“We are honored to recognize Mr. Hagen’s memory,” said Bob Vetere, president of APPA, “by recognizing others that exemplify many of the attributes and qualities that he possessed and that our industry so greatly benefitted from. He was the definition of a true leader and his achievements, dedication and support to the pet industry and various organizations within will be remembered. It is our hope that this award further highlights his great legacy.”
Moving from Germany to Canada in 1955, Hagen created Rolf C. Hagen Inc., becoming one of the world’s largest family-owned pet product manufacturers and distributors. Receiving APPA’s Hall of Fame award in June 1999, Hagen was also honored with numerous awards in the pet products industry. In March 2004, he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) in recognition for innovative design of pet products and for his generous support of organizations and individuals dedicated to improving the lives of both pets and people. Along with Allan Levey of Hartz, Hagen is only one of two individuals in this industry to have received both awards.
For more information or interview opportunities, contact Jamie Brant at 775-322-4022 or Jamie@theimpetusagency.com.
The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is the leading not-for-profit trade association serving the interests of the pet products industry since 1958. APPA membership includes nearly1,000 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers representing both large corporations and growing business enterprises. APPA’s mission is to promote, develop and advance pet ownership and the pet product industry and to provide the services necessary to help its members prosper. Visit www.americanpetproducts.org for more information.