Sacramento and Washington D.C. He is a tough negotiator but is always diplomatic. A great example is when he introduced Gavin Newsom to the board. It’s hard to describe, but he wanted to let Gavin know that we were a bit suspicious, but we were open to listen to him. It was consummate Tom. He did it in such a funny way. “I think it is very fitting that we are giving him the Award of Honor, honoring his legacy and the tremendous service he has given to Western Growers.” Sammy Duda, Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc., Salinas, CA Former WG Chariman of the Board “As Chairman, you get to spend quite a bit of time with Tom. I was struck by
several things about Tom. First was his passion for the produce business and his drive to do what’s right for the industry and, especially, for WGA members. He is a tireless advocate for our industry and his stamina is incredible. “On a humorous note, Tom is also very particular about what he likes especially with his food in restaurants. He is not shy about sending his food back when it doesn’t meet his expectations. I reminded him on more than one occasion what the chef does to the food when you send it back. He replied, “Yes I do as I read Anthony Bourdain’s book”, but he continued to do it anyway much to my entertainment. I never asked for a taste of what he ordered after he got it back from the chef!
“It is remarkable what WGA has become under Tom’s leadership especially with regard to its financial position. Having said that, he has never lost sight of the importance of member advocacy at a state and federal level. His leadership and guidance inWGAT (Western Growers Assurance Trust) and the opening of the Center for Innovation and Technology will be lasting legacies of Tom for many years to come.” Matt McInerney, Former Senior Executive Vice President of Western Growers “Tom commenced his employment with Western Growers in early 2002, which was a pivotal time in the history of the association, with the recent untimely passing of President Dave Moore. Tom brought to WG unprecedented career credentials. Upon joining the association, Tom challenged staff and the Board of Directors to prioritize both new and existing member services that would enhance the value proposition for WG members. There was a renewed energy on member-first activity for these last 18 years. “In an endeavor to advance policy at the federal level, Tom took the lead in advocating for having specialty crops included in the Farm Bill, something that was not a permanent situation before his arrival. He was also tireless in advancing legislation for an immigration fix. To this day, he is the lead for all of agriculture in negotiating a solution for the legal and reliable workforce needs of ag. To increase the position of WG as a national influencer on policy, he opened a Washington, D.C. office with WG staff advancing those critical
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DESIGN & MANUFACTURE CUSTOM PACKAGING, PACKING AND FOOD PROCESSING EQUIPMENT. DESIGN, ENGINEER, MANUFACTURE AND INSTALL. CUSTOMER BASE THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA CENTRAL VALLEY AND WESTERN US.
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JULY | AUGUST 2019
Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
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