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.
Michelle Rivera Communications Manager Favorite WG Memory
Favorite Movie I’m a self-proclaimed Star Wars nerd, so all of the Star Wars movies (prequels and sequels, too!) will always have a special place in my heart. Aside from those, my favorite movie is Gladiator. There are so many scenes that give me goosebumps, no matter how many times I’ve seen the movie. Hobbies I love reading, traveling and bragging about my dog Roxy, who turned 14 years old this past summer. I’ve also spent the last few years studying and dabbling in cryptocurrency and NFTs, and I’m proud to say I’ve had more gains than losses! Favorite Book Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes.
My favorite memory is going on my first farm tour with my WG colleagues. It was truly a special moment to meet some of our members and see first-hand the hard work and dedication that goes into making sure I was born and spent the first few years of my life in Kauai, so I love to go back whenever I can to visit my family and the familiar places where I spent my childhood. Sports Allegiance I was raised in New England, so I’ll always be a New England Patriots fan (for better or worse). The other half of my household roots for the San Francisco 49ers, so that automatically makes me a fan, too. we all have fresh food to eat. Favorite Travel Destination
Editor’s Note: Michelle was 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.
WG Staff at the Organic Grower Summit The Western Growers team had an incredible time at the Organic Grower Summit at the end of November in Monterey, Calif.! The event was presented by Western Growers and the Organic Produce Network, and provided growers with knowledge and information on topics ranging from agtech to sustainability. OGS 2024 will be held Dec. 4–5, 2024. Please stay tuned for updates on registration and exhibition opportunities.
Western Growers staff at OGS
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JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2024
Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
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