Bill. But Christian also pointed out his father’s devotion to his church and family. Tom Nassif thanked the throng of well-wishers and noted that his “service to Western Growers and the fresh produce industry has been a fulfilling culmination to my career. Every day since 2002, my inspiration has been derived from the hard-working, innovative, and ethical family farmers who comprise our membership. I am proud of the major strides we have taken as an industry during my tenure.” He also singled out his family— both immediate and extended—as the inspiration for his efforts and whose support has made it all possible. The three-day event also featured a bioplastics startup company securing a $500,000 investment after winning Western Growers proprietary AgSharks competition, which is patterned after the popular Shark Tank reality show. Coincidentally, Daymond John, one of the Shark Tank judges, wowed the crowd as the keynote speaker during one of the event’s general sessions. Reagan administration economist Arthur Laffer also was received well as the keynote speaker during the Political Action Committee luncheon. Another business session featured three financial experts discussing the economy and investment strategies. The meeting also included several networking opportunities including a golf tournament and a number of social gatherings. More than 500 people attended the event in Maui as Western Growers celebrated its 94 th anniversary year. The Passing of the Gavel Talley officially received the gavel from the outgoing chairman, Ron Ratto, president of Ratto Bros., Inc., Modesto,
Calif., at the Monday morning board of directors meeting. “I am both eager and honored to embark on this new role as Western Growers’ Chairman working with the rest of the board to further our commitment to the industry,” he said. of the Board of Directors,
Tom and Zinetta Nassif at the Award of Honor Dinner
The board selected Albert Keck of Hadley Date Gardens as senior vice chairman; Stuart Woolf of Woolf Enterprises as vice chairman; Carol Chandler of Chandler Farms as treasurer; and Vic Smith of JV Smith Companies as secretary. Ratto’s final official event as chairman was to give the Chairman’s Address at the Tuesday luncheon. He detailed his involvement with the association, which dated back to the mid-1990s. Over the years, Ratto Bros. has availed itself of many Western Growers services including several of its insurance products. Ratto also noted the association’s involvement in establishing the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement after the spinach crisis of 2006, which he believes was a game changer. During his tenure as chairman, the Modesto grower pointed to the increased advocacy of the association across many important topics in both state and federal government. “I expect our advocacy efforts to increase as we collaborate with others
for the betterment of our industry.” And he also singled out the great, forward-thinking effort over the last few years that has seen the establishment of the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology. He said it is through advances in technology that agriculture will remain ahead of the curve. AgSharks Competition One of the highlights of the Annual Meeting was the 2019 AgSharks Competition, which featured five start-up companies giving pitches to a panel of judges in an effort to secure investment funds. Prior to the event, many more companies had applied for the opportunity to present with off-site judging whittling dozens of entries to those five companies. mobius pbc, an early-stage company that creates waste-based biodegradable polymers as a plastic substitute with many agricultural uses, won the pitch competition and was offered the opportunity to negotiate with S2G
Vic Smith enjoying the PAC Lunch
Ron Ratto passing the gavel to new chairman Ryan Talley
23
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2020
Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker