NEWS IN A NUTSHELL
Lieutenant Governor of California, Eleni Kounalakis, Visits Blue Diamond This winter, Blue Diamond , Sacramento hosted Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and her Chief of Staff, Matt Dumlao, for a plant tour followed by a discussion with key leaders in the Almond Innovation Center ® . Blue Diamond ’s President and CEO — Kai Bockmann, Chief Government and Public Affairs Officer — Alicia Rockwell, VP Member Relations — Mel Machado, Sr. Director R&D — Kurt Waananen, and Director of Brand Marketing — Eric Tinson sat down to discuss the successes and challenges facing the California almond industry and how Blue Diamond can help support the future of California agriculture.
Kounalakis enjoyed sampling many new snack nuts and products including all three flavors of Almonds and More mixed nuts and Blue Diamond Almond Nog. She even tried several snack nut flavors that haven’t yet hit grocery store shelves. The team provided a sneak peek at some exciting, new events, products, and ad campaigns coming up for the Cooperative, showing that almonds are a bold, delicious, and nutritious food available in a variety of forms. Lt. Governor Kounalakis expressed her pride in California agriculture, stating the importance of government officials truly knowing what makes each region special: “We’re living in challenging times in society. Anything that helps people feel connected is really important. I’ve done a lot of international work. I’ve never been anywhere where I didn’t know what that country or region was most proud of in terms of agriculture production or product” Kounalakis said. “You don’t go somewhere without knowing their delicacies. It’s
part of an area’s identity. California is the number one agriculture state and most people who visit don’t leave here knowing that. Californians know that and it makes us unique. People in government need to understand that people are proud of what they produce.” The team appreciated the time with the Lieutenant Governor and the opportunity it brought to showcase the people, products and operations of the Cooperative. We are grateful to have her as a champion of agriculture and almonds in California.
L to R: Lt. Governor’s Chief of Staff Matt Dumlao, Alicia Rockwell (Blue Diamond), Kurt Waananen (Blue Diamond), Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Kai Bockmann (Blue Diamond), Eric Tinson (Blue Diamond), and Mel Machado (Blue Diamond)
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ALMOND FACTS
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