WENATCHEE, Wash. – Two of Stemilt’s employees were honored with 30 Under 35 Awards earlier this week. Erik Zavala and Brianna Shales were recognized by the Wenatchee Valley Business World for their early career success and potential to lead others. This was the first year that the publication held the awards.
Zavala is a 25 year-old horticulturist who has been with Stemilt for just over a year. He graduated from the University of Idaho in 2010 and joined the company during the busy cherry harvest. According to his nominating letter, Erik has made a quick impact on the horticultural staff at Stemilt. In addition to advising and communicating with the Stemilt grower base, he has taken on special projects in the food safety area to assist with the auditing process.
“Erik is smart, organized, and highly motivated,” said Jeff Heath, director of fieldstaff at Stemilt. “He has such a positive attitude, tremendous work ethic, and is passionate about helping growers produce high-quality fruit.”
Shales, 26, joined the Stemilt team in 2008 after graduating from Washington State University. As communications manager, she oversees the company’s social media program, website content, press, and publishes a variety of materials to communicate with the company’s primary audiences.
“Brianna is a talented copywriter, has a strong work ethic, and demonstrates both a desire and ability to lead others,” said Roger Pepperl, Stemilt’s marketing director.
Zavala and Shales were honored along with 28 other young leaders in the Wenatchee Valley during an awards presentation and production run of Wenatchee Valley Business World on June 1st.
About Stemilt
Stemilt Growers is a leading tree fruit growing, packing and shipping company based in Wenatchee, Washington. Owned and operated by the Mathison family, Stemilt is the leading shipper of sweet cherries and the largest supplier of organic tree fruits in the nation. Stemilt has also demonstrated a commitment to sustainable agriculture and social responsibility since 1989, when founder Tom Mathison launched the company’s Responsible Choice program.
Source: Stemilt
