A Look at WG Employee Champions Inside Western Growers
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers provides a lobbying voice in state and federal government, affordable health benefits, technology and innovation development, transportation solutions, legal and human resources guidance and more. Behind the association are more than 400 employees who are dedicated to serving America’s food heroes; here is an inside look at two of Western Growers’ champions.
Janet Darling Lead Claims Examiner Do you have a favorite WG memory? My favorite memory was being hired to work for WGAT and how the Fresno office made me feel welcomed. We had an Office Manager named Wilson at the time and he always kept the morale of the office up. Another favorite memory is being chosen to receive this award by my peers.
Sarah Secrist Senior Marketing & Communications Coordinator Do you have a favorite WG memory? Meeting my team in person two years later after starting my job at WG. Do you have a work accomplishment that you are proud of? Building strong relationships with my internal clients/CCSB knowing they can come to me to get things done and in a timely manner. Do you have a passion or hobby? After moving to California five years ago, I love spending my free time traveling and exploring new places I have never seen. Do you have a favorite quote or motto you live by? Live your best life! What’s something most people don’t know about you (special talent, unique interest)? I have dual citizenship—in the U.S. and Switzerland What’s your favorite movie/tv show/song/book? “90 Day Fiancé” series. (Yes, trash TV!) Do you have a favorite place where you have traveled? Switzerland.
Do you have a work accomplishment that you are proud of? I am proud of my history with WGAT—from being hired as an Examiner 1 to now being a lead and helping people to succeed as I have. I handle all the employee claims and I’m proud of the rapport I have built with my internal peers. Do you have a passion or hobby? I love scrapbooking all the wonderful pictures of my grandkids and trips we have taken. Do you have a favorite quote or motto you live by? No, but I do always try to do my best at what ever I’m doing and help in any way I can. What’s something most people don’t know about you (special talent, unique interest)? I like to do DIY projects on my house when I can. I have completed many with the help of my kids. What’s your favorite movie/tv show/song/book? I have a lot of favorite movies I could watch over and over, but the two that stand out is “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “The Princess Diaries.” For shows, I love “The Office” and “Friends.” I also love ‘80s music and Stephen King books. Do you have a favorite place where you have traveled? We traveled to Alaska on a cruise a few years ago and was in awe by the beauty of the areas we visited. We love to take cruises and experience new places. Do you have a connection to agriculture? We had orchards when I was growing up and my childhood was spent farming. My first association with WGAT was when we were insured through Sunkist with them. My parents would attend functions yearly and heard a lot about them.
Editor’s Note: Janet and Sarah were recently honored as recipients of the Employees’ Choice Award, a WG program where employees select and honor fellow team members for their exemplary work and embodiment of the outward mindset.
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Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
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