July 30, 2015

Reserve Your Spot for WGs’ 90th Annual Meeting at the Grand Del Mar

This November, Western Growers will hold our 90th Annual Meeting at the Grand Del Mar in San Diego. Like our previous Annual Meetings, this year’s event promises to be memorable, featuring one of Southern California’s most spectacular resorts. For three days, you will have the opportunity to connect with old friends, make new ones, and learn about the latest technologies, trends and issues in the fresh produce… all while having a little fun.

Festivities begin Sunday, November 8, at our Welcome Reception held on the resort’s Aria Lawn, which the hotel describes as being “accentuated by a dramatic pavilion and views of the resort’s golf course and canyon preserve.” What better way to start your week than mixing and mingling under the stars on a beautiful San Diego night?

Forget starting your week off with the Monday blues as you prepare to take in two of our scheduled workshops on November 9. Join Top Chef’s vivacious Shirley Chung for a lively cooking demonstration that is sure to challenge and inspire your culinary talents. Then stay involved with the WG Political Action Committee Luncheon, where Stuart Varney, a Fox News contributor and co–host of Varney & Co. on the Fox Business Network, will opine on the national and global economy and political landscape. Afterwards, attendees of our second workshop of the day will hear from expert panelists on the latest developments in GMO marketing and labeling opportunities and challenges.

Monday night, join members and guests for the  popular premier networking cocktail party and dinner experience – the Suppliers’ Event “Party in the Paddock” featuring the electrifying Pink Flamingoes. The “Pinks” are renowned for their artistic talents and are no strangers to the Western Growers’ family.

On Tuesday, November 10, we’ll turn to AgTech as we entice entrepreneurs to “Step into The Innovation Arena.” A “Shark-tank” like format, this workshop will place several aspiring ag innovators before a panel of influential growers and shippers who just might be willing to invest in their ideas. During the Major Lunch, WG Chairman Vic Smith will give the Chairman’s Address, and will be followed by former Cisco Chief Futurist, Dave Evans. Evans holds a number of patents and will offer his insights on emerging technologies and how those technologies will affect agriculture and humankind. He has been designated as one of the 150 Most Influential Thought Leaders in the World by LinkedIn.

After lunch, in our second workshop of the day, a panel of legal and policy experts from California and Arizona will examine challenges to water rights and share their insights about the conflicts looming over farm water use in the increasingly urbanized West.

On Tuesday night, we will gather for the Chairman’s Reception and to honor this year’s Award of Honor recipient, former WG Chairman, Bob Gray. Following the recognition of our former chairman, attendees will have their funny bone tickled by film, television and radio personality, Tom Papa, who is sure to bring the house down.

On Wednesday, be sure to stick around for our golf tournament held on property at the Tom Fazio-designed Grand Del Mar Country Club. This is one of San Diego’s premier golf destinations.

Overall, the 90th Annual Meeting is a great opportunity to have fun, strengthen our bonds and address the critical issues and opportunities facing our industry.

Thanks for your continued support of Western Growers and the agricultural industry. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information, contact Randy Hause at (949) 885-2265 or go to our Annual Meeting webpage.