Best Medium-Sized Company (11 to 50 employees): sponsored by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society   A PASSION for the region's food and drink and a commitment to supporting and championing the countryside make the sponsorship of the Best Rural Initiative category totally appropriate for the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. Best known as the organiser of the Great Yorkshire Show ; which celebrates its 150th show in 2008 - and also Countryside Live, the Society has been the champion of rural life since its formation back in 1837. Nigel Pulling, Chief Executive said: "As you drive around the wonderful countryside you cannot fail but be impressed by what you see, and that it is largely down to the hard work and vision of farmers and the rural communities. We owe them a huge debt. But farming has always been a sector which adapts and evolves, and it is that enterprising spirit which keeps our countryside vibrant. It is important that we continue to support those who have vision, imagination and the drive to turn their ideas into reality, which is exactly what this category encourages." The Society's own vision for the future has taken a new turn with the building of its Regional Centre of Agricultural Excellence at the Great Yorkshire Showground. With a farm shop and caf©, this will enable the Society to better promote rural enterprise, farming and regional food and drink in particular. It is hoped that the Centre will become the base not only for the Society's staff, but for not-for-profit organisations, with the emphasis on those that are involved in the rural sector. Despite being itself a charity, the Society supports numerous organisations and other charities in the Harrogate area. The thousands of school children and teachers who visit the site each year ; and make return visits ; are testament to the success of its education programme whilst the Yorkshire Event Centre has become renowned as an important player in the venue sector. With the 150th Great Yorkshire Show just around the corner, the Society looks forward to the future with great optimism, and is delighted to be a supporter of the Ackrill Business Awards.