One of the most significant ways to recognize outstanding contributions to the potato industry and to The Potato Association of America, is the awarding of Honorary Life Membership (HLM). This is the highest award bestowed upon an individual by the PAA. Each year at the annual meeting of the PAA this award is given to deserving individuals and is considered by many attendees the highlight of the banquet (new HLMs and their spouses receive complimentary awards banquet tickets the year they are inducted).