PRESIDENT’S CORNER
In year 11, we got better at managing the pandemic, however, record inflation and the inability of California agriculture to export were new significant threats. Again, it was not the right time. In year 12, we built resilience into our manufacturing and innovation into our supply chains. While there will be new challenges, now is a good time for Blue Diamond to make a change in leadership. You will be comforted to know that the financial health of your co-op has never been stronger. You are familiar with the superior competitive returns, and equally important, Blue Diamond has an investment grade balance sheet that continues to grow stronger. This provides you, our growers, the certainty that you will always be paid on time. In addition, this financial health provides the means to reinvest in continuing the profitable growth of the co-op. The business strategy which has guided our success is well understood by the leadership of Blue Diamond . We have four unique businesses: consumer brands, licensee brands, ingredients and commodity that work together as cogs in driving the overall success for Blue Diamond . We call this our strategy flywheel. What makes this focused strategy work are the people of Blue Diamond . We have the best people! We compete against the Coca Cola ® and Pepsi ® companies of the business world and win.
thank for their years of leadership! Amongst their many accomplishments, their most important may be hiring and preparing the next generation to lead.
The financial strength, working strategy and management talent make this the right time for Blue Diamond to undergo a CEO change. For me personally, it is also the right time. Blue Diamond is a family business. You know how important family is to me. This summer, Carolyn and I will be empty nesters. Our oldest, Holly, is married and living in Chicago. Our middle child, Lindsey, is happily living and working in Denver. And our 6-foot-3 baby, Noah, will be going to college in Minnesota. This summer, we are looking forward to a big family trip, time at a Minnesota lake house and the freedom to attend our son’s college football games. The board has been equally thoughtful about this transition. It began over the summer after Chairman Dan tried to get me to stay on by offering to mow my lawn; I still appreciate the sentiment. In October, Blue Diamond announced, first to you our team members and grower- owners and then to the business world, that now was the right time. After the announcement was released, our Director of Communications, Lynn Machon came to me with some regret, saying “there is almost no interest from the press.” I responded, “perfect!” There is no drama so of course the media has limited interest. The truth is everybody knows that Blue Diamond is going from strength to strength. In the meantime, I am not going anywhere soon. My continued focus is leading Blue Diamond . Beyond that, I am partnering with the board
At Blue Diamond , great people, hire great people, who hire great people who are all committed to serving you, our grower-owners. The talent of Blue Diamond is exceptional, and it is many layers deep. We are blessed with an extraordinary executive team whom I
8
ALMOND FACTS
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker