Annual Meeting Highlights
On the heels of the Diamond Breakfast was AgSharks , one of the most highly anticipated events of the Annual Meeting. Three finalists – Climate Robotics, Cultiva and Provision – pitched their innovations to a team of four judges, two from S2G Ventures and two Western Growers members. While cloud software company Provision was selected as the Audience Choice Winner, Climate Robotics ultimately walked away with the $250,000 equity investment offer from S2G Ventures. The developer of mobile biochar production systems sold the judges on its potential to decarbonize the atmosphere and improve soil health. Albert Keck reflected on his two-year term during the Chair’s Luncheon and Keynote , leaning heavily on the theme of family and the ties that bind the Western Growers membership together. Keck also commended the association leadership and staff for their dedication in service of the fresh produce industry. For the second time in as many days, artificial intelligence was center stage with the keynote presentation by world-renowned futurist Jim Carroll , which provided the audience with a glimpse into how AI is changing the world as we know it. Tuesday afternoon witnessed the largest, most competitive Hawaiian Family Games ever! Ten teams, captained by members of the Western Growers Board of Directors and Future Volunteer Leaders program, squared off in a series of Hawaiian-inspired games that tested their coordination, teamwork and Aloha spirit.
The contest concluded with a team-designed-and-built raft race around the resort lagoon. When the sand finally settled, Ryan Talley and the Talley Troubadours narrowly edged out Stuart Woolf and his Woolf Pack for the top spot (and bragging rights until the next Hawaiian Annual Meeting!). The Award of Honor Dinner Gala Tuesday night was a fitting and proper evening honoring John D’Arrigo , a true industry icon who has impacted countless lives in the Monterey County community through his contributions to the Kinship Center, Natividad Foundation and the Boys and Girls Clubs. Tom Papa rounded out the evening with a hilarious stand-up set that managed to find the funny in the routine. Annual Meeting activities wound down on Wednesday with the Western Growers Cup Golf Tournament at the ocean front Poipu Golf Course and the sold-out Western Growers Inaugural Pickleball Classic at the Poipu Kai Tennis Center. Western Growers prides itself on providing the premier venue for growers and industry partners to connect and celebrate the enduring legacy of the fresh produce industry. We will continue to drive enhanced value for our members and sponsors next year at the 2024 Annual Meeting, to be held November 3-6 at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. Mark your calendars!
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