AgSharks™ returns this year for another exciting competition. Western Growers’ AgSharks™ competition is the groundbreaking, collaborative forum that helps advance agricultural technologies within the fresh produce industry.

In 2017, start-up companies Hazel Technologies and AgVoice received a $2.25 million total investment offer from S2G Ventures (Seed 2 Growth). During this year’s session, an update will be given on the progress of their companies and technologies since the investment.

A new slate of agtech startups will then compete for venture capital investment opportunities. They will present new ideas in ag technology to a panel of AgSharks, consisting of member-judges and venture capitalists.

Expect another year of surprise and excitement as the AgSharks evaluate startups and technology for real-time investment opportunities. This workshop will happen on day three of the Annual Meeting – October 30 – from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

The 93rd Annual Meeting will take place October 28-31, 2018, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. Register today to take advantage of the early bird pricing and save $150. Early bird pricing ends on September 1^st.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Yesterday, the Investment Advisory Committee for the Western Growers Retirement Security Plan (RSP) met to review the performance of the current plan to ensure that WG members are linked in to the most profitable and ideal portfolios and investment strategies. During the meeting, the Committee—which is governed by senior executives from WG member companies and several senior WG executives— received numerous presentations from industry experts, portfolio managers and investment strategists.

Western Growers created its RSP in an effort to help WG members and their employees draft a more successful roadmap to retirement. The RSP can be tailored specifically to the unique needs of WG members and their employees. Our RSP offers a wide array of investment choices, as well as funding option guidance from Western Growers Financial Services.

For more information about the RSP, visit https://www.wgfs.net/ or contact Matt Lewis at (949) 885-2379.

In this workshop, four Western Growers members will participate in a panel discussion and share stories on how Arbinger has positively impacted them and shaped their leadership influence to create a better work environment.

Arbinger is a leading method in strengthening company culture. The method takes into account an individual’s impact on others and focuses on the needs of an organization as a whole. The program places an emphasis on changing a mindset rather than individual behavior.

Hear from Western Growers’ Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Karen Timmins, and Arbinger Institute’s Senior Consultant and Master Facilitator, Mike Merchant. During this workshop, they will lead participants on a journey to understand the impact that Arbinger can have on a company.

Panelists include:

• Victor Smith – President and CEO, JVSmith Companies
• Kevin France – CEO, SWIIM
• Eric Reiter – SVP California Operations, Reiter Affiliated Companies
• Kelly Strickland – VP Operations, Five Crowns Marketing

Don’t miss this workshop on day three of the Annual Meeting – October 30 – from 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The 93rd Annual Meeting will take place October 28-31, 2018, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. Register today to take advantage of the early bird pricing and save $150. Early bird pricing ends on September 1^st.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Upon the passing of Senator John McCain – a true American patriot and hero – this past Saturday, the Western Growers family wishes to extend its deepest condolences and collective prayers to his family. While it is difficult to encapsulate the full impact of the life and career of Senator McCain, which will reverberate for generations of Americans to come, this one anecdote may suffice: congressional leaders from both parties have announced that Senator McCain will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol, an honor that has been bestowed but 31 times in the past 166 years of American history. Senator McCain was, and continues to be, in rare company.

For a more thorough treatment of Senator McCain’s impact on American politics and the agriculture industry, read The High Calling of Statesmanship: John McCain, by Western Growers President & CEO Tom Nassif.

The official ballots to elect Western Growers Board of Directors to a two-year term (2019 and 2020) will be emailed to all members the week of September 4, 2018. Our new secure online voting platform replaces the old paper-ballot system and focuses on privacy, security and verifiability—all of which are paramount to hosting an honest election. 

As a regular member of Western Growers, your participation in the process of electing the board of directors is critical to our continued relevancy and influence. It is through your involvement in this process that board members are elected to serve your district and the entire membership on the key issues facing our industry. 

Please complete your electronic ballot by September 21, 2018. 

If you are a voting representative for your company and do not see the election ballot email next week in your inbox, please check your SPAM folder. For any other questions regarding the election process, please contact Kim Sherman at (949) 885-2265.

Don’t miss the opportunity to save on registration for the Western Growers 93rd Annual Meeting. The full conference ticket for members is $995 and $595 for a guest social pass. Early bird registration ends September 1; after that, prices will go up by $150.

The conference will take place October 28-31, 2018, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California. This is a great opportunity for members to take part in educational and exciting events to further the growth and development of the ag industry.

Here is a complete list of events:

Sunday – 10/28 
Golf
Welcome Reception

Monday – 10/29 
Board of Directors Meeting
Workshop – Top Chef
PAC Lunch
Workshop – Genomics
Party with the Partners
 
Tuesday – 10/30 
Workshop – AgSharks^TM
Chairman’s Lunch and Keynote
Workshop – Arbinger
Chairman’s Reception
Award of Honor Dinner

Wednesday – 10/31
Guest depart for home

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Western Growers has secured a discounted room rate especially for Annual Meeting attendees. Upon completion of the registration process, you will receive an email with instructions for booking hotel accommodations. You can also click here to book a room at the JW Marriott.