Salinas, CA — The Grower-Shipper Association of Central California (GSA) held its Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 26 at Corral de Tierra Country Club in Salinas. Sam McKinsey, the Association’s new Chairman of the Board, was inaugurated at this event in front of more than 100 members and dignitaries. He spoke about a handful of agricultural business that had remained members since the 1940’s, citing the Salinas and Pajaro Valley agricultural industry’s tremendous endurance and innovative spirit. He touched on the vast majority of the growing and shipping companies in the Grower-Shipper Association being single or multi-family owned, pointing to strong community values industry-wide. McKinsey shared his vision for more agricultural education to local high schools and community colleges by the Association in his term, saying that today’s students will be future leaders of Central Coast agriculture.
McKinsey’s excitement for taking the post was palpable. “It’s quite an honor to be standing here as your new Chairman. As I look at the pictures of past Chairmen and Chairwomen on the Grower-Shipper Association’s walls, I am proud to be able to do as they did and give back to the local agricultural community in this role.”
Outgoing Chairman Steve Church of Church Brothers spoke of the significant accomplishments of GSA over the past year, and the affect of the Chairmanship on him personally. The day’s events included a presentation by Anna Caballero, California Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency and previous Assemblymember to the 28th district.
The event concluded with the announcement of GSA’s annual E.E. “Gene” Harden Award Honree for lifetime achievement in Central Coast agriculture. McKinsey presented the award to George Tanimura, calling him a true “gentleman farmer”. Tanimura will officially be presented the award at the organization’s annual gala event to be held this June.
McKinsey will lead the organization as its Chairman until May 2012. Margaret D’Arrigo-Martin of D’Arrigo Brothers of California is the Vice Chairman for the 2011-2012 year and Mark Borman of Taylor Farms serving as Treasurer. In addition to these three, the 2011-2012 Grower Shipper Association Board of Directors will be made up of Phil Adrian (Coastline Produce); Mark Borman (Taylor Farms); Butch Corda (Ippolito International); Mike Costa (Anthony Costa & Sons); Craig Dobler (Dobler & Sons, LLC); Ernie Farley (Sundance Berry Farms); David Hart (Royal Packing Co./Dole Fresh Vegetables); Chris Huntington (Hilltown Packing Co.); Bob Martin (Rio Farms) and Steve McIntyre (Monterey Pacific & McIntyre Vineyards).
The Grower-Shipper Association is an organization representing over 300 members throughout Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties. For more information or to learn how you can become a member contact Jim Bogart, President at (831) 422-8844 or jim@growershipper.com.
Source: The Grower-Shipper Association of Central California