GROWING THE GOODNESS
DIRECTOR SKILLS NEEDED ON THE BLUE DIAMOND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1) SALES & COMMERCIAL • Understand how business in general and particularly, the almond industry, works from a sales and commercial standpoint including knowledge of key customers in the retail (e.g. Walmart) and food service (e.g. Sysco) channels, and knowledge of what products will sell well. • Understand the role pricing plays in purchase decisions and how products are merchandised on-shelf. Growers are not required to have actual sales or commercial experience to demonstrate a competence in this area. Growers are consumers who purchase products in retail channels. If you find yourself interested in why certain products sell while others do not, you may have the sales and commercial acumen needed on the board. 2) FINANCE & ACCOUNTING • Understand the key financial principles of profit margin, cash flow, and EBIT. Some knowledge of accounting is helpful. Growers utilize financial principles given the nature of their business. If you find yourself particularly interested and focused on how to make your business more profitable, you may have the financial skills needed on the board. 3) PEOPLE & CULTURE • Understand the value a strong team brings to a business and how to recruit, motivate, and retain key talent. • Understand how to develop and sustain an effective work environment and culture. Given the nature of their businesses, growers build teams and attract and retain talent. If this is a strong area for you, or if you are interested in growing in this area, you may have the people and culture skills needed on the board. 4) INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS • Operating in international markets differs from domestic markets. Given the importance of these markets to Blue Diamond ’s strategic plan, these skills and experiences are key. Growers who have worked and lived in markets outside the United States may have the experiences and international business acumen needed on the board.
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ALMOND FACTS
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