CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
“GROWING TOGETHER” ANNUAL MEETING 2024
Chairman’s Speech
It’s a pleasure to address you as Chairman of the Board for the first time. Thank you to all our special guests and partners for joining us today.
I’d like to take a moment to remember Aldo Sansoni, a former Board Director who served for 18 years and who was a veteran of the U.S. Navy passed away this year at age 92. Some kind words shared by friends and family are “Aldo’s accomplishments changed agriculture; he was a pioneer with a rich legacy. His love for his family and his devotion to agriculture set a high bar. He was a jack of all trades and master of many. He was a living history book, and he lived what he loved.” Aldo’s lifelong motto was “Conserve
In recognition of Veterans Day, our Blue Diamond facilities host annual flag raising ceremonies followed by breakfast for our team members and retirees who are veterans. The team also created a veterans display in the main hallway to recognize Blue Diamond member-growers and/or their immediate family members who have served in our military. Thank you to all our growers who participated by sending in your photos and sharing your stories detailing your time in service to our country. We appreciate you and we thank you. Dan Cummings, a proud third generation Blue Diamond grower who served as District 1 Director beginning in 2006, and served as Board Chairman from 2014 to 2023 has completed his service. I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude for Dan’s leadership all these years and for being an integral player in preparing me to step into this role. Dan has long held positions of leadership, serving for the Almond Board of California prior to joining the Board here at Blue Diamond , as well as helping start Project Apis m . I’d also like to extend my gratitude to Joe Huston for his service on the Board. He has also completed his service this year and had brought his many years of experience in Consumer-Packaged Goods both domestically and internationally. Joe has been of great value to our Board.
Steve Van Duyn Chairman of the Board
the land for it will feed you forever.” I had the pleasure of serving with Aldo on the Board and I can say that he was a great Board member. His legacy will not be forgotten.
Aldo Sansoni
Let’s take a moment to recognize those who are military veterans. My own father served in the army after the Korean War, and I’m grateful for his service. This has increased my appreciation for all our veterans. Thank you, veterans, for your sacrifice and service to our wonderful country. We are honored that you are part of our Blue Diamond Growers family.
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ALMOND FACTS
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