Each March, during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Primera honors the life and legacy of our former Board Chairman Michael Kropp, whom we lost in December 2021 after his courageous fight with colorectal cancer.
Michael believed deeply in people, in our industry, and in the strength of the Primera community. His leadership helped shape our cooperative and strengthen the relationships that make our membership unique.
During his fight, Michael often used the phrase “Kropp Strong.” For many within the Primera community, that message became a powerful reminder of the strength, leadership, commitment, and perseverance he demonstrated every day.
From that spirit came the idea of Primera Strong.
Primera Strong reflects the values behind Primera’s G.I.V.E. Pillars of Excellence and the character of the people who make up our cooperative.
The Primera Strong Scholarship continues this legacy by investing in the next generation connected to our member companies while recognizing students who reflect these same values.
Primera will award three scholarships in 2026:
Primera Strong Scholar — $5,000
One student will be recognized as the Primera Strong Scholar and invited to attend the Primera Annual
Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico (August 3–5, 2026) where they will be recognized by the
membership.
Two Primera Strong Scholarship Recipients — $2,500 each
All scholarship funds are paid directly to the student’s college or university.
Applicants must be connected to a Primera Member Distributor or Supplier company, including:
• Employees of Primera Member Distributor companies
• Children or grandchildren of Primera Member Distributor employees
• Employees of Primera Member Supplier companies
• Children or grandchildren of Primera Member Supplier employees
Applicants must also be enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year college or university for the
2026–2027 academic year.
Michael’s commitment to raising awareness around colorectal cancer continues today through the work of his family.
His wife Mary Beth, along with their sons Michael Jr. and Alex, founded Big Mike’s Bottom Line, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about colorectal cancer and encouraging early screening and prevention.
During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Primera is proud to highlight their mission alongside the launch of the Primera Strong Scholarship.
Many members and supplier partners have asked how they can help support the Primera Strong
Scholarship.
Contributions allow Primera to continue growing this program and expanding its impact for future
students connected to our membership.
Organizations interested in supporting the scholarship fund can contact:
Jeff Braun – jbraun@primera.coop
