nov-dec-2019

George Goshgarian Sr. – District 8; Charles Crivelli – District 6; Dan Mendenhall – District 7; Kent Stenderup – District 9; John Monroe – District 2; Steve Van Duyn – District 5; Kevin Fondse – District 4. And, our at-large directors Joe Huston and Don Yee. We are all proud of the work you do for this cooperative. Your Board of Directors serves as your voice and representation in the governance of our cooperative. I am proud and honored to recognize one of your board of directors for their years of service. George Goshgarian Senior is retiring as District 8 director. His nine years of service to Blue Diamond has been invaluable. George’s medical background helped drive almond nutrition research and product development. I also appreciated phone calls with George. His wisdom and sound advice were beneficial to myself and the company. On behalf of the cooperative, I would like to express our appreciation for his contributions to Blue Diamond . Please join me in a round of applause thanking George for his service. And now, I would like to welcome a new leader to the board. This new director brings with him not only contributions as a grower but a wealth of experience and unique expertise to your board of directors. As a fifth generation farmer, and third generation almond grower, Matt Efird joined Blue Diamond soon after planting his first almond orchard in 2007. And, his family participated in the filming of Blue Diamond ’s “Can A Week” advertisement. He is also the current president of Fresno County Farm Bureau. Please welcome to the board Matt Efird. In 2006, Blue Diamond amended its bylaws to include a Director- at-Large. Two years later the cooperative elected its first Director-at-Large, Don Yee. Today, we say goodbye to Don as he is also retiring from the board. His many contributions to Blue Diamond include leading the search for our second director-at-large, providing a unique perspective at board meetings and strategic planning retreats, and he’s done a remarkable job as Chairman of the Audit Committee. Thank you, Don, for your eleven years of contributions and setting the highest standard as Blue Diamond ’s first Director-at-Large. Now, I am inspired to present this year’s Chairman Ambassador of the Year Award. This award acknowledges a Blue Diamond grower for the inspiring engagement to support the cooperative’s success. This member is a role model of our core values, an influence in the community, and a person who makes a positive difference in the industry. Mel Machado, your director of member relations, acknowledges that, “Brum is a constant brand ambassador. He is supportive, honest, and his pride as a Blue Diamond grower has been invaluable to this cooperative and his local community.” Brum was instrumental in bringing new growers into Blue Diamond by coordinating quarterly lunches in District 5 and continues to provide guidance to growers in his district. Thank you, Brum, for your Blue Diamond ambassadorship. Please join me in congratulating Brum De Visser on this award and for his outstanding contributions to Blue Diamond . Over the last nine years, Mark Jansen has successfully executed strategies resulting in unprecedented growth and competitive returns. His commitment to this cooperative is extraordinary. The strength of his leadership makes a positive impact in the industry and the community. In fact, beginning in January, Mark will be the chairman of the California Chamber of Commerce. He is a person who truly understands what it means to be Blue Diamond Proud. Pride is felt in everything we do. So, I invite you again to think about what makes you proud. The board is proud of all of you for making Blue Diamond uniquely successful. Our collective efforts over the last year to invest, innovate, and inspire give us every reason to be Blue Diamond Proud. CHAIRMAN’SMESSAGE 1 4 A L M O N D F A C T S