CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
bring added value and different
perspectives to the cooperative.”
Thank you Clinton for your
outstanding commitment to
Blue Diamond
.
I am pleased to welcome two new
leaders to the board. Each brings
with them not only contributions as
growers but a wealth of experience
and unique expertise to your board
of directors.
For 35 years
Kent Stenderup
has grown vines, trees and row
crops on his family farm in the
Arvin area. He has served on both
District 9’s Grower Liaison and
Advisory committees, and for the
last four years has represented
Blue
Diamond
on the Almond Board
of California where he currently
serves as vice chairman. Kent’s
devotion to maintaining
Blue
Diamond Growers
as the #1 almond
handler and processor in the world
will make him a valuable asset to
the board.
The board also welcomes
John
Monroe
. The Monroe family has
been a member of
Blue Diamond
for more than 45 years. As CEO
of Done-Again Farms, Inc., John
has farmed almonds in Arbuckle
since 1998. He is a member of
Blue Diamond’s
District 2 Grower
Liaison and Advisory committees.
John’s experience in farming,
operational, international and
strategic business will undoubtedly
complement the existing strength
of the board of directors.
Remember, the cornerstone of our successful cooperative
is your active engagement to support future growth and
prosperity.This future begins and ends with the dedication of
each of you, our grower-owners. We are stewards of the land
investing daily in our farms, in our farming knowledge and
decision making skills, and the next generation succeeding us.
Our cooperative is 106 years strong and the future is only
going to shine brighter for
Blue Diamond Growers
.Together,
asThe Almond People, we deliver on our social and cultural
values of integrity, hard work, commitment to quality and
respect for others … this isThe Power in Partnership!
The process to elect two board members and
numerous liaison committee members is the very
foundation of the democracy which governs our
co-op. Your participation and engagement is vital.
This means:
Stay Informed.
Attend summer district meetings and our
annual meeting. Read Almond Facts and the
updates distributed through email.
Participate.
Run for election to your local liaison committee.
Represent
Blue Diamond
at the Almond Board
of California – there are many opportunities to
contribute on task forces, committees, and the
board of directors itself.
Advocate.
Speak out for your farm, your industry,
and your cooperative through Farm Bureau
Action Alert letters to legislators. Consider
membership with local Farm Bureaus or the
Almond Alliance of California. Learn and use
social media to share about agriculture and
comment on issues impacting the industry.
Contribute to our
Blue Diamond
political
action committee.
14
Almond Facts
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2016
