Salinas, CA — The Grower-Shipper Association of Central California (GSA) held its Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 23 at Corral de Tierra Country Club in Salinas. Mark Borman, the Association’s new Chairman of the Board, was inaugurated at this event in front of more than 75 members and dignitaries. As the new Chairman of the Board to Grower-Shipper, Borman will continue to advocate for strong businesses that support the families and people in our community and beyond. Borman spoke about his interest in continuing to develop resources that will help farmers build their capacity to make strong business decisions that will lead to a sustainable agricultural industry and creating opportunities for young people to emerge as agriculture’s next leaders.
The son of Sacramento Valley walnut farmers, Borman’s success in the industry came from humble, hardworking beginnings. Over a decade ago, an opportunity at Taylor Farms emerged and in 2010 Borman became the President of Taylor Farms California. In his current role, Borman is responsible for all west coast agricultural operations and the company’s source-based foodservice program. At Taylor Farms, Borman takes pride in running a company that’s good for people to work at and helps them grower their lives and families and produce products that are safe to eat.
Outgoing Chairman Margaret D’Arrigo-Martin spoke of the significant accomplishments of GSA over the past year, including the organization’s enhanced prioritization of health and nutrition and the GSA Foundation’s new More Produce in Schools program. The day’s events included a presentation by Capt. Wayne Porter of the Naval Postgraduate School.
The event concluded with the announcement of GSA’s annual E.E. “Gene” Harden Award Honree for lifetime achievement in Central Coast agriculture. Outgoing Chair Margaret D’Arrigo-Martin announced that the award would be presented to Andy D’Arrigo, her father, Chairman of the Board of D’Arrigo Brothers California, and the namesake of the “Andy Boy” label carried by the D’Arrigo family for decades. D’Arrigo will officially be presented the award at the organization’s annual gala event to be held this June.
Borman will lead the organization as its Chairman until May 2014. Ernie Farley of Andrew & Williamson is the Vice Chairman for 2013-2014 with Tom Nunes V of The Nunes Company serving as Treasurer. In addition to these, the 2013-2014 Grower-Shipper Association Board of Directors will be made up of Brian Antle (Tanimura & Antle); Allan Clark (Merrill Farms); Butch Corda (Ippolito International); Mike Costa (Anthony Costa & Sons); Margaret D’Arrigo-Martin (Taylor Farms); Henry Dill (Pacific International Marketing); David Hart (Royal Packing Co./Dole Fresh Vegetables); Steve McIntyre (Monterey Pacific & McIntyre Vineyards); Jerry Rava II (Rava Ranches); and Nikki Rodoni (Rio Farms).
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 of Central California
