THE RESULTS FROM THE 2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS election welcomed strong, experienced leadership. Beginning March 1, 2009, the election terms for the members of the Board of Directors at the Almond Board of California were approved by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. They are:

Independent Grower:

• David Arakelian, member position one (one year term), Livingston
• Brad Klump, alternate position one, Escalon
• Scott Hunter, member position three (three year term), Atwater
• Wil Hunter, alternate position three, Livingston
  
  

Independent Handler:

• Christine Long, member position two (three year term), Ballico
• Gerald Armour, alternate position two, Chico
• Keith Rigg, member position three (one year term), LeGrand
• Dean Nelson, alternate position three, Kerman
  
  

Cooperative Grower:

• Bill Brush, member (three year term), Modesto
• Tony Ramos, alternate, Fresno

John O’Shaughnessy will fill the Cooperative Handler Alternate position vacated by Rex Lake.

Returning Board Members:

• Mike Mason
• Dave Phippen
• John Thoming
• Dave Baker
• Doug Youngdahl

Board members serve without compensation, and the nature of their service is made evident in these comments from two Board members. When asked why she volunteers, Christine Longsays,"I believe the more you give the more you receive. Working with ABC and other organizations is my civic duty. With ABC, the professionalism shines through, there aredefined areas one can contribute to, and the ABC and almond industry havedeveloped a culture of looking forward."

Keith Rigg echoed Christine’s thoughts on volunteering for the Board and added his own thoughts on industry direction, "I have received a lot of satisfaction from being involved in the California Almond industry, and I feel it is important to give something back. My vision for the Board is to see us continuing to support all areas of our industry from promoting responsible and viable production practices to food safety, and to helping grow our developing markets like India and China, all the while continuing to expand our more established markets. I want to continue to provide leadership and direction to the industry as we promote California Almonds around the world."

Congratulations to all of these new and returning Board members.