nov-dec-2019

as fast as our domestic business! Blue Diamond outpaced the competition in snack nuts, almondmilk, and healthy crackers. We have a long time-horizon when planning B lue Diamond ’s growth. Last year at the annual meeting, attendees learned about almond flour, almond oil, and high protein almond flour. We were busy again this year, with a record 20 new products launched. What makes Blue Diamond unique is that we are owned and governed by our growers. We’re proud to be a co- op and proud that every grower has an equal voice when it comes to the best interests of Blue Diamond . Last year I challenged our growers to find the way you were most comfortable in marketing on behalf of Blue Diamond . You responded. Whether it was through social media posts, TV advertising or walking in the Rose Bowl Parade, our growers were leaders in growing Blue Diamond and Almond Breeze ® ! Let’s recognize some of our star Blue Diamond growers: • From the Rose Bowl Parade: On January 1 st we asked you to smile, walk and wave for two hours. • From social media, our most active online ambassadors, Blue Diamond individuals and families, made over 600 posts and created well over two million views. Back row: Rebecca Hinojos, Bobby McCuan, Mary Ann Henriques. Front row: Mark Jansen, Song Fang, Anne Root Becraft • From the in-depth web videos: the Gemperles, Chandlers, Indarts, Bocks, and Martinez families. • And, of course, from our Almond Breeze ® commercials: the Indart and Romero families. What pleases me most is the obvious pride our growers have in being part of Blue Diamond . Please contact Ben Goudie if you have interest in learning more about becoming a member of our social media team or marketing efforts. You may think it is unusual that we celebrate a retirement for someone who has only worked at Blue Diamond for six years. However, when every year he has been with us, this is the person who consistently saved us millions of dollars, you will understand why I am making an exception. I recruited Ken Lehman to Blue Diamond to build the Supply Chain function. Amongst their many accomplishments, we were able to celebrate just last month with his team and our partner U.S. Cold Storage the grand opening of our new, state-of-the-art, 40,000 pallet warehouse. Even better, it replaces six northern California warehouses, eliminates thousands of truck miles, and is a stone’s throw from our Turlock plant. This is the latest example that has allowed his team to contribute half of these tremendous savings. Please join me in thanking and celebrating this retiring hero. Ken, I wish you all the best in your move to San Diego. I had the honor to interview some of our everyday Blue Diamond heroes at the annual meeting. First, I welcomed Sales Director, Bobby McCuan, and Site Training Coordinator, Rebecca Hinojos. MARK: Bobby, what brought you to Blue Diamond ? 7 N O V E M B E R – D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9