May 17, 2013 [Coeur d’Alene, Idaho] – Northwest Food Processors Association (NWFPA), which represents the interests of food processors in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, appointed two officers and elected five new members of its board of directors at its annual membership meeting in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
NWFPA’s Board of Directors appointed Mark Dunn, J.R. Simplot as Chair, to replace Kurt McKnight of Ever Fresh Fruit Company. Jim Robbins of Bolthouse Farms was appointed Chair-Elect of the association. Both have participated on the board and held other critical volunteer leadership positions with NWFPA over a number of years.
The new directors represent a range of food processing sectors, and will bring a diverse array of industry experiences and perspectives to the board:
Jon Brekken is Vice President Western Vegetable Operations for Seneca Foods Corporation, which operates 24 manufacturing facilities across the U.S. Mr. Brekken has been working in the fruit and vegetable processing industry since 1987, and is currently responsible for all aspects of operations at seven vegetable processing facilities in Minnesota and Idaho, as well as the internal seed operations at three vegetable seed processing facilities in Washington, Idaho, and Minnesota.
Greg Satrum is Vice President and a co-owner of Willamette Egg Farms, a third-generation, family-owned egg farm. What began as a small family farm in 1934 is now among the Northwest’s largest commercial egg farms that cares for egg laying hens in both traditional and cage-free housing at its Canby, Oregon farm. The company offers a variety of eggs and egg products, including conventional, cage-free, organic, liquid, frozen and hard-cooked products. Mr. Satrum received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oregon State University.
Doug Granitz is President of SVZ-USA, Inc. and is a member of the SVZ Corporate leadership team. The company is based in Othello, Washington and is part of the Royal Cosun Group with headquarters in the Netherlands. Mr. Granitz has held various leadership positions in the CPG food and agri-business field with extensive overseas experience in emerging markets. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Taylor University and Master of Arts from Indiana University-Bloomington. He served in the U.S. Military and the U.S. Department of state.
Stephanie Nicholson is Director of Sales U.S. Beverage and Concentrates for Sun-Rype Products U.S.A. The company produces and bottles various NFC juices and juice concentrates for both industrial and retail markets. Ms. Nicholson’s career in the fruit processing industry includes service with HP Metzler/Met West Agribusiness, Ferreiro & Company, Northwest Naturals, and Naumes Concentrates. She attended Fresno State University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations.
David Lakey is president and CEO of Oregon Fruit Products, a Salem, Oregon-based company that develops branded canned, frozen and aseptic fruit products for local and international retail and foodservice markets. Previously Mr. Lakey was Vice President of Marketing at Reser’s Fine Foods and has held senior management roles at the Clorox Co., Del Monte Foods, and other companies.
The new directors will replace five individuals who have completed their service on the board:
- Jon Bafus, National Frozen Foods
- Mark Sheppard, Pacific Pure-Aid Company
- Mark Oldenkamp, Valley Fresh Foods, Inc.
- Andy Enfield, Enfield Farms, Inc.
- Terry Shaff, Unisea Inc.
“Serving at the helm of Northwest Food Processors Association has been very fulfilling for me,” said McKnight in his closing address to members. “Not only did I grow as a professional, but today I have much greater respect for this association and what it does for its members. Our industry needs a strong association, and it has been an honor to serve with top quality leaders on the executive committee and board of directors.”
NWFPA’s Board of Directors is comprised of three officers and 15 board members. Each board member serves a 3-year term. For more information, contact Northwest Food Processors Association at 503-327-2200 or visit www.nwfpa.org for detailed biographical information on the new directors.
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Northwest Food Processors Association (NWFPA) represents the interests of food processors in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Members include fruit and vegetable processors, seafood, dairy, poultry, bakeries, specialty and fresh-cut. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, the association represents 450 member companies including nearly 80 food processors which employ 75,000 workers at 175 production facilities throughout the Northwest.
CONTACT:
Elizabeth Peters, Marketing & Communications Director
503-327-2209 (direct)
503-421-9084 (cell)
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