US: Manager of numerous California Ag commodity groups retires
Over the years, the full-service management firm has worked for a host of agricultural commodity boards representing crops such as California alfalfa seed, carrots, celery, peppers, tomatoes, melons, dry beans, citrus, cling peaches, potatoes, wine grapes and tree fruit. Under Munson, who has served as the backbone and President of the company since 1984, Monfort Management Services has carved out a niche as an economically feasible management company for many of the smaller marketing orders in California, who couldn’t afford their own building, full-time manager or staff. By working with Monfort Management, these groups could be provided with full-time management representation that allowed them to bank, invest their funds and perform all fiduciary functions.
During the retirement celebration, held at the Cattleman’s restaurant in Selma, Munson was presented with an official proclamation from California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross recognizing him for his many years of dedicated service to California agriculture.
Similar sentiments were echoed by all those who attended the retirement dinner as well as by others who were unable to attend the event, but sent along written notes of praise and gratitude.
Glen Fischer, who presented Munson with a life-size gold replica of a bell pepper in honor of the many years Jerry has worked for the California Pepper Commission, had this to say, “Jerry has been very influential and important to the California pepper industry and he has been a great support to me as its chairman over the years.”
“I now have spent the first 22 years of my career learning from someone who is not
only great at what he does, but has shown all of his employees an incredible example of integrity in and out of the workplace,” said JD Allen, who is taking over for Munson as President and Chief Financial Officer of Monfort Management Services. “Jerry is such an honestly good man, we all feel very lucky to have worked for him and will do our best to carry out his legacy here at Monfort.”
Munson plans to retire in Dinuba and looks forward to spending more time with his wife of 57 years, Ginger Munson.
“Looking back and hearing everything you all had to say tonight, I guess I am proud of my career,” Munson told party attendees in his characteristically low-key style.
From all accounts, there is much for Jerry to be proud of.