It also means contributing to a healthy community. The
cooperative does this in part by supporting organizations
like Future Farmers of America and with the
Blue Diamond
Scholarship Foundation. We invite and host members
of the community, industry, and political representatives
to farm tours and demonstrations. We also engage our
membership through the Young Leaders program, district
meetings, and our annual meeting to name a few.
The leadership and partnership
provided by your Board of
Directors is a valued and vital
part of
Blue Diamond
. It’s with
gratitude that we recognize Bob
Weimer’s retirement after 13 years
of dedicated, engaged service.
His contributions as chairman of
the Governance committee and
champion of the Scholarship
Foundation as chairman have
been invaluable. We thank Bob for his service and will
greatly miss him.
I am pleased to announce the
new director from District 7. As
a third generation
Blue Diamond
grower, Dan Mendenhall brings
over 20 years’ experience and
valuable accounting expertise
as a CPA to the board.
Many
Blue Diamond
members take time to provide industry
leadership. Several of our growers have made a significant
contribution of time and energy to the Almond Board of
California. I know my experience there, and that of directors
George Goshgarian and Kent Stenderup, have made us
better board members representing you. There are two
multi-decade representatives that deserve special
recognition for their service on behalf of
Blue Diamond
to the Almond Board of California. It is a privilege to
recognize John Thoming and Tony Ramos.
These examples of committed cooperative and industry
leadership must be cultivated in each generation.
Blue
Diamond’s
young leader program has inspired many
young growers to stand up for their industry. I would like
to recognize both the outgoing 20
th
class of the Young
Leadership program and welcome the incoming 21
st
class. Let’s continue to inspire and encourage our young
cooperative growers.
As we conclude this year, we appreciate the partnerships
leading to our year-over-year growth and success. Our
industry associations help protect the
Blue Diamond
brand
while fighting against overburdensome legislation and
regulation; the Almond Board provides research, expertise,
and education to protect the reputation of our industry;
and most importantly, our partnerships. By staying involved
through leadership, advocacy, and as champions for the
brand, all of you help build the cooperative’s success.
But, without our most vital partner – our
Blue Diamond
Team
Members – the cooperative would not be what it is today.
They are working hard and driving outstanding achievement
through the co-op’s values. These five core values – Act
with Integrity; Work as Partners; Delivery Quality Everyday;
Innovate!; and Play to Win – create a unique partnership
between our growers and team members that shape the
cooperative and connect us as family.
Over seven years ago, we made the wise decision to
hire Mark Jansen as our President and CEO. We’ve
experienced unprecedented growth and superior returns
under his leadership, and our co-op is stronger than ever.
One of his best qualities is his ability to build a terrific team.
At the annual grower meeting last month, he invited a
few of them to join him in sharing what the future has in
store for
Blue Diamond.
On behalf of the board of directors, I applaud the
amazing individuals who make up this cooperative.
For thirteen years it was a privilege to be a member
of Blue Diamond’s Board of Directors and I am proud
of the changes we made in the last decade, especially
with the new Leadership Team. Our collaboration has
resulted in real sustainable success! As parting counsel,
I encourage the board to continue sharing their wisdom
and retain an uncompromised level of integrity for
years to come.
—
Bob Weimer
11
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