Salinas, CA — The Grower-Shipper Association of Central California (GSA) held its Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 28 at Corral de Tierra Country Club in Salinas. Henry Dill, the Association’s new Chairman of the Board, was inaugurated at this event in front of nearly 100 members and dignitaries.
As the new Chairman of the Board to Grower-Shipper, Henry Dill said that his focus will be to continue to make the membership and the industry aware that GSA is an incredible resource to assist them in navigating through the changing business climate facing the agriculture industry. With the challenges facing the industry, right now most notably water and labor, the GSA can offer insight on how to tackle many of these issues. In addition, Dill said “I think more focus can be given to encouraging the next generation that the farming industry is a great profession and can be hard work, but is very rewarding. The challenge is getting mentors to teach and get the students some hands-on experience in the form of internships, whether it be in production, food safety or sales.”
Dill is a native of the Salinas Valley, and graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in Finance. He started working full time in production for the The Garin Company in 1979 and moved later to sales. He has also worked for Bruce Church and D’Arrigo Bros., and is currently Sales Manager at Pacific International Marketing/Dynasty Farms. Dill lives in Salinas with his wife, Lisa, and they have three grown children, Henry, Natalie and Sam. For many years, he has been active in the California Rodeo Salinas, Palma School and Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation.
In the spirit of Grower-Shipper Association celebrating their 85th anniversary this year, it is of note that Dill is the grandson of former GSA Chairman Henry Pierce “H.P.” Garin (1940-1941) and son of Murray & Elsie Dill (last of 4 children in the H.P. Garin family).
Outgoing Chairman Ernie Farley of Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce spoke of the significant accomplishments of GSA’s staff and directors over the past year, including the organization’s increased focus on issues management, education and workshops. The day’s events included a presentation by Congressman Sam Farr, who focused his remarks on the importance of nutrition education and access to fruits and vegetables.
The event concluded with the announcement of GSA’s annual E.E. “Gene” Harden Award Honoree for lifetime achievement in Central Coast agriculture. Jim Bogart, GSA President and General Counsel, announced that the award would be presented to Hugo Tottino of Ocean Mist Farms. The award will officially be presented at the organization’s annual gala event to be held June 27, 2015.
Dill will lead the organization as its Chairman until May 2016. Butch Corda of Ippolito International is the Vice Chairman for 2015-2016 with Dan Canales of Misionero Vegetables serving as Treasurer. In addition to these, the 2015-2016 Grower-Shipper Association Board of Directors will be made up of Brian Antle (Tanimura & Antle); Rod Braga (Braga Fresh Family Farms); Brian Church (Church Brothers); Allan Clark (Merrill Farms); Patrick Collins (Dole); Cindy Jewell (California Giant Berry Farms); Tom Nunes V (The Nunes Company); Jerry Rava II (Rava Ranches); and Jason Smith (Paraiso Vineyards).
The Grower-Shipper Association is an organization representing over 340 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
