Chuck and Phyllis Couture have been active in various agricultural circles since they moved to Cattaraugus County in 1968. Chuck was an agriculture teacher at Springville Griffith Institute, retiring in 1995. While teaching there he was also FFA advisor, and had numerous Empire and American Farmers, and he was awarded the Honorary American Farmer Degree. Both Phyllis and Chuck were 4-H leaders, served on the Cattaraugus County 4-H Program Committee and the Cattaraugus County Cooperative Extension Board of Directors. Their 3 children were all 10 year members of 4-H. Phyllis taught Home Economics and Horticulture at Springville GI for several years, before opening Fox Valley Flowers in Ellicottville. Later they opened a second location in Salamanca. Fox Valley Greenhouse began as a “retirement project” in 1971 after Chuck took several horticulture classes to complete his permanent certification. This became a family project, encouraging a work ethic in the children and providing funds for recreation and vacations. All of the 8 grandchildren have spent part of their summers helping with the greenhouse and farm markets. Today, the greenhouse is the one remaining enterprise – so it is indeed a “retirement project”. Farm Bureau has also been an important organization for the Coutures. Phyllis began the journey as a County Board member and County President. She has also served on the State Farm Bureau Board as District 1 director, and is currently completing a 6 year term as State Chair of the Promotion and Education Committee and State Board member. She was elected to the inaugural committee of the American Farm Bureau Federation Promotion and Education Committee and served for 3 years. Chuck currently is on the County Farm Bureau Board, and has served as Vice President and President. Coutures are currently on the Membership Committee. Chuck is Chair of the County Planning Board, is on the Farmland Protection Board, Southern Tier West Regional Planning Board, and Seneca Trail RC&D. He served a term on the Cattaraugus County Legislature. They are active members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, West Valley, and the West Valley Chamber of Commerce.
