ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Meeting sponsors. Representatives from Diamond Sponsor companies Bayer, Farm Credit, Nutrien Ag Solutions and RDO Equipment networked with the board of directors and each enjoyed a moment on stage in the spotlight. The morning continued with the fifth annual AgSharks competition where three selected startups pitched their innovations in front of a panel of judges and a live audience of more than 300 fresh produce growers and industry leaders. Hosted by Stuart Woolf, President and CEO of Woolf Farming and Processing, NutJobs—which transforms nutshell waste into bio-based, compostable alternatives to single use plastics—emerged as the winner of the competition, earning a record $6 million investment from S2G Ventures. NutJobs was also the winner of the Audience Choice Award. WG Chair Albert Keck hosted the Chair’s Luncheon and Keynote, where Four-Star Admiral William McRaven shared wisdom he gleaned from 37 years
in the U.S. Navy, including high-ranking positions of command during the Persian Gulf War, the War on Terror and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Drawing on his lifetime of service, Admiral McRaven captivated the audience with a dramatic recounting of the mission that led to the killing of Osama bin Laden in 2011 and his message of teamwork, personal accountability and resilience. Later that afternoon, the educational portion of the Annual Meeting wrapped up with one final featured session: The Promises and Challenges of New Breeding Technologies. Moderated by Jenny Maloney of Bayer CropScience Vegetables, the panel featured experts from the plant genetics industry, including Dr. Sarah Evanega, Lead, Stakeholder Communications to the Pairwise Team; Ernie Farley, Partner at Andrew Williamson Fresh Produce; and David Marguleas, President and CEO of Sun World. Together, the panel discussed the viability of cutting-edge breeding technologies in the fresh produce industry. Friday concluded with the VIP Sponsor Reception, an intimate venue for premier-level Annual Meeting sponsors to socialize with WG grower members and executive staff, and the Award of Honor Dinner Gala honoring agricultural icon John Harris of Harris Farms. With more than 50 years of experience in ranching, farming, hospitality and thoroughbred horse racing, Harris embodies the diversity and entrepreneurship in California agriculture. Following the award ceremony, the audience was treated to the spectacular sounds of Super Diamond, a tribute band that honors the much-loved international pop icon Neil Diamond. The Annual Meeting wrapped up Saturday morning, Nov. 5, with some friendly competition during the 2022 Western Growers Par and Away Golf Tournament at the Revere Golf Club. As we look forward to another memorable gathering next year at the 97 th Western Growers Annual Meeting, to be held at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Nov. 12-15, 2023, we remain committed to delivering a top-notch experience for our members and driving exceptional value for our sponsors. Visit the Annual Meeting website for more information.
Award of Honor Dinner placesetting
4 | Western Growers 2022 Annual Meeting
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