The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) kicked off their new fiscal year this week during the Annual Membership Meeting at their 81st Annual Meeting in Dana Point, California. The event featured the election of the Board of Directors and Chairman, as well as industry and committee updates.
The Board of Directors is made up of 46 men and women from operations located from as far south as Coachella Valley to as far north as Lake County. Harold McClarty (HMC Farms) was elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the 2017/18 fiscal year. The organization's officers are nominated to serve for a one-year period and are selected by a committee of past Board Chairs. The full slate of officers includes:
- Chair: Harold McClarty (HMC Farms) - Kingsburg-based tree fruit and fresh grape shipper
- First Vice Chair: Randy Giumarra (Giumarra Vineyards) - Bakersfield-based fresh grape and tree fruit shipper
- Second Vice Chair: Kevin Herman (The Specialty Crop Company) - Madera-based fresh fig, pomegranate, and persimmon shipper
- Secretary/Treasurer: Louis Pandol (Pandol Bros., Inc.) - Delano-based fresh grape shipper.
The Board welcomed new directors: Paul Wilson of Rivermaid Trading Company (Lodi) and David Fenn of Sun World International, LLC (Delano). The Board also gave their thanks to exiting director Chiles Wilson of Rivermaid Trading Company (Lodi), for his many years of service on the Board. Finally, the Board recognized the lives and service of three Members of the Board who had passed during the previous year: Ken Enns of Enns Packing (Dinuba), Jim Simonian of Simonian Fruit Company (Fowler) and Cliff Sadoian of Sadoian and Associates (Reedley). The Association’s Board meets three times a year to take action on regulatory and legislative issues at the state, federal and international level.
Prior to the Annual Membership Meeting, the Annual Industry Workshop featured keynote speaker, Dr. Frank Luntz. Dr. Luntz reviewed his most recent public opinion polling, using instant response techniques. He also discussed his findings on how the general public is viewing the Trump Administration’s first 60 days in office. Overall, Dr. Luntz’s presentation was entertaining and informative and enjoyed by all CFFA members who were present.
Contact:
George Radanovich
Tel: (202) 841-3555
Ian LeMay
Tel: (559) 905-7751