Custom Apple/Starr Ranch Growers CFO David Smeltzer has been named 2016 Washington State Apple Citizen of the Year. Washington State Apple Blossom Festival Queen Kori Martin, Princesses Sami Everhart and Emily Homes, along with Festival Administrator Darci Christoferson, surprised Smeltzer with the award at Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers offices in Wenatchee recently.
According to Festival organizers, the Apple Citizen of the Year award began in 1981 to honor the roots of the Festival and the leaders that make this the 'Apple Capital of the World.'
In addition to the surprise award presentation, Smeltzer will be honored at the All Service Club Luncheon on Wednesday, May 4, and will ride in the Stemilt Growers Grand Parade on May 7.
A 1971 graduate of Wenatchee High School, Smeltzer graduated from Washington State University in 1976 with a degree in accounting. He began his career with Peshastin Fruit Growers Association as an accountant, and in 1978 he went to work for Cascadian Fruit Shippers as office manager, eventually taking on the position of general manager.
When Cascadian was purchased by Custom Apple/Starr Ranch Growers in 1997, Smeltzer transitioned on as plant manager and currently serves as CFO.
His career includes serving as long time board member of the Wenatchee Traffic Association, including a two-year term as President of the Board. During the industry association consolidation process, he represented the Traffic Association on the industry task force and then served on the transitional board of the newly formed Washington State Tree Fruit Association.
Smeltzer is a board member and past chairman of the Northwest Horticultural Council, past member of the US Apple Association Board and past board member/chairman of Central Washington Hospital. He now serves on the board of the Northwest Fruit Exporters.
He and wife Ruth have been married for 39 years and have three children and three grandchildren. Smeltzer enjoys traveling, being in the outdoors and spending time with his family at Lake Chelan.
For more information:
Scott Marboe
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers
+1 509 663 2191
