“Growth” A Resonating Theme throughout WG Annual Meeting
By Stephanie Metzinger T his past October, California’s Coachella Valley hummed with energy from the 500 leading agricultural professionals who flooded the ballrooms of the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa for Western Growers’ (WG) Annual Meeting. The 93 rd Annual Meeting offered a host of workshops and events that embodied the theme of “growth.” Guests had the opportunity to participate in educational sessions that focused on expanding their knowledge in the hottest science and technology trends, as well as listen to world-renowned speakers who provided tools to influence behavior. Attendees also enjoyed a flurry of networking activities that provided an opportunity to reflect on 2018 and ignite The Annual Meeting was filled with celebration, thanking outgoing chairman Craig Reade, of Bonipak Produce, for his service and welcoming Ron Ratto, of Ratto Bros., Inc., as the 2019 Chairman of the Board. During Reade’s moving farewell address, words of inspiration filled the room as he spoke about the next generation of leaders who will disrupt current norms and spark an evolution in agriculture. “The increasing regulations on agriculture are an increasing burden,” said Reade during his speech. “Technology allows us to overcome these regulations. Millennials understand how to adapt to use technology and the innate innovativeness of millennials will allow agriculture to thrive.” conversation on how to grow the industry in 2019. RATTO TAKES HELM AS 2019 CHAIRMAN
This theme of growing young talent was also reflected when the new roster of board members was announced on day two of the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors welcomed four former Future Volunteer Leaders to the team: Neill Callis, Turlock Fruit Company, Brandon Grimm, Grimmway Farms, Alex Muller, Pasquinelli Produce Company, and Kelly Strickland, Five Crowns Marketing, Inc. They join Steve Martori, Martori Farms, and now represent five current board members who have graduated from WG’s Future Volunteer Leaders program, a two-year cohort designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders within WG member companies.
Craig Reade, Steve Patricio, and Tom Nassif
Next year, the board will convene under the leadership of Ratto, who was elected to serve as chairman for a one-year term. “Ron has made significant contributions in his current role as a board member and senior vice chairman, advancing both the innovation and advocacy side of agriculture,” said WG President and CEO Tom Nassif. “I look forward to working with him as our new chairman, along with the rest of the board, to facilitate the ongoing growth of Western Growers in support of our members
and the fresh produce industry as a whole.” PATRICIO HONORED FOR SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO AG
Steve Patricio, Westside Produce, who has helped move the needle on critical issues facing ag such as water scarcity and food safety, was designated as the 2018 Award of Honor. In addition
Ron Ratto and Craig Reade
12 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2019
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