(Salinas, CA) – Today the Grower-Shipper Association Board of Directors announced that Christopher Valadez will be the Association’s new President. Valadez will succeed Jim Bogart, the trade association’s longest-serving President, in May.
Jason Smith, Chairman of the Board, expressed excitement for the future of GSA. “Chris’ appointment is a clear reflection of our Board’s commitment to honor traditions while advancing the interests of our members and building upon the strong foundation set by Jim Bogart and Board leadership over the past 89 years.”
Valadez joins GSA following 11 years at the California Fresh Fruit Association as the organization’s Director of Environmental & Regulatory Affairs. Valadez shaped and addressed policies affecting economic sustainability and competitiveness for the agriculture industry. Since 2008, his primary focus has been labor issues; including management/employee relations and wage and hour, as well as human health and safety, water supply and quality, food safety, air quality and political engagement. Previous to that he had spent four years serving as Deputy District Director for former Congressman George Radanovich, providing outreach on Federal policy matters affecting the agricultural economy, namely immigration and water policy. Born and raised in California’s agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley, Valadez is a proud grandson of farmworkers who succeeded in achieving their dream of owning a small-business.
“It’s a pleasure to accept this position and I look forward to advancing our members’ priorities and interests while honoring the Salinas and Pajaro Valley’s traditions with the strong team in place,” said Valadez. “I am thankful to Jim for building a robust organization that we can continue to nurture and grow and I look forward to protecting and advancing the Central Coast’s agricultural values, recognizing that the membership’s dedication to growing safe and nutritious crops should be complimented by an Association that is positioned to successfully address complex policy challenges. I’m excited about the opportunities we can create and to support creative solutions that advance, protect, and support our members; one where the people, employers and employees alike, and the communities they support, are inextricably positioned to thrive.”
Jim Bogart reflected on his experience working with Valadez, saying “I have known Chris for several years and have worked closely with him on a wide variety of issues, challenges, projects and strategies affecting agriculture. I believe he has the experience, intelligence, demeanor and skill set to do a great job for GSA and its members in the years to come. It has been an honor to serve this wonderful organization all these years.”
Bogart will be recognized for his tremendous service to the industry at the Association’s Annual Gala, to be held June 22 at Corral de Tierra Country Club in Salinas.
The Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, founded in 1930, is committed to representing the needs of its more than 300 members. The Association has been a leader in local and regional issues affecting production agriculture in four Central Coast counties (Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Santa Clara). The Association has been at the forefront of many challenging issues, from labor availability and labor law compliance, to water supply and quality, land use, air quality, environmental protection, trade, transportation, housing, and much more.