Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1286027
ALMOND COMMUNITY 21 When did you first become involved in the California almond industry? Paul: While at Cal Poly, from 1999-2003, I conducted almond projects for my relative Ned Ryan, including a study of the Chilean almond industry. I entered the industry full time in 2003 in sales and got involved with the Almond Board's Global Market Development committee soon after. I began growing almonds in 2009 and am still enjoying learning how to best do that. Alexi: I became involved in the almond industry shortly after moving to California, following college in 2008. Darren: I started working for a Northern California handler after graduating from Chico State in 2008. What does it mean to you to sit on ABC's Board of Directors? Paul: I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Board during this unique time. Demand growth and reputation management are as essential as ever, and I look forward to being part of these key discussions and decisions with my colleagues on the Board. I am very excited about the future of our industry. Alexi: It means I have been entrusted by my peers to continue to lead the industry in a positive direction. As I reflect on how far we've come in a relatively short amount of time since I joined this industry, I'm excited by the possibilities of where we can go, and it is an honor to be part of a group that will help take us there! Darren: It is quite an honor to have worked my way up through the industry, serving on committees and then gaining the confidence of my peers to get the opportunity to serve at the Board level. To me, it means maybe my opinions are not as isolated as I thought. What about the industry do you most appreciate and take pride in? Paul: The wonderful growers and industry colleagues we get to work with that make our work so much fun. The open dialogue with trustworthy people also helps us all constantly learn and grow. Alexi: The development of innovative new products and their ability to help drive demand alongside increasing production. It has been truly remarkable! Darren: I appreciate the international aspect the most, as it's relatively unique to our Central Valley business sector, as well as all the nuances throughout the supply chain. Our industry keeps you on your toes – there is always something new to learn and always new experiences to be had that humble you and prove you wrong. I take pride in the fact that we can grow, market and ship a high quality, healthy food throughout the global marketplace. Get to Know Your Board – Part Five In the July/August 2019 issue of How We Grow, we published Part One of our series "Get to Know Your Board." In this series, we're profiling members and alternates of the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors, which is composed of ten members — five growers and five handlers — with each member having one alternate. This group of individuals embraces the California almond story and is living it every day, just like you. Read Part Five of this series below, which highlights three industry members new to ABC's Board, and be sure to check out future issues of How We Grow for features on Board alternates. "I have been entrusted by my peers to continue to lead the industry in a positive direction. I'm excited by the possibilities of where we can go, and it is an honor to be part of a group that will help take us there!" — Alexi Rodriguez "I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Board during this unique time. Demand growth and reputation management are as essential as ever, and I look forward to being part of these key discussions and decisions with my colleagues on the Board." — Paul Ewing "I take pride in the fact that we can grow, market and ship a high quality, healthy food throughout the global marketplace." — Darren Rigg CHICO BAKERSFIELD