may-jun-2020

NEWS IN A NUTSHELL Meet Jennifer Claussen, Blue Diamond ’s New Membership Coordinator Jennifer joined Almond Facts editor, Samantha DeMelo, for an interview to get to know this experienced Blue Diamond team member a little better. Almond Facts (AF): Tell our readers a little about yourself. Jennifer Claussen (JC): My roots lie in the Central Valley. I was born in Modesto and lived in Ceres until I was 10 years old. Then I moved to Livermore. Even though I spent my time growing up in the Tri-Valley, I knew the Central Valley would always be my home and eventually moved to Manteca. AF: You held another position with Blue Diamond prior to joining the Member Relations team. How did you get your start at the co-op ? JC: My journey at Blue Diamond started in April 2016 when I was hired as a temporary employee. Just a few months later — in October — I became a full-time team member. For four years I worked as an order management specialist for the Global Supply team. I was responsible for managing both domestic and international retail accounts, which included overseeing the order process from purchase order receipt to invoice processing. In this role I interacted externally with retailers and brokers and internally with sales, logistics and production planning. AF: What are you most looking forward to about your new position ? JC: I am most excited about two things: meeting and developing relationships with our growers and learning a different aspect of the Blue Diamond cooperative. It’s completely new for me! I am very grateful to be surrounded by people with an incredible wealth of knowledge and to be learning directly from those who have been in the almond and ag industry for so many years. I believe that my time at Blue Diamond is helping me better understand agriculture in general. The challenge of this new position will allow me to continue learning about the industry. AF: What do you do in your free time ? JC: I’m an avid reader and an aspiring author. Comedy, suspense, romance and true crime are my favorite books, and my interest in writing involves a combination of romance and suspense. My other loves include animals and my nieces and nephews — I am an adoring auntie! I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors in the sunshine whenever possible. And, I LOVE to laugh — I can find humor in the smallest of things. AF: Do you have a favorite Blue Diamond product ? JC: Smokehouse Almonds have been my favorite since I was a kid. As an adult, I have really come to enjoy Almond Breeze ® , especially the Unsweetened Vanilla flavor. As Membership Coordinator, Jennifer is here to assist Blue Diamond growers. You can reach her at jclaussen@bdgrowers.com or by phone at the Membership Office at (209) 545-6225. 1 4 A L M O N D F A C T S