agenda membership committee 1:30 p.m. - 2:15...
TRANSCRIPT
AGENDA
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Friday, August 26, 2016 1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Versailles
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Chicago, Ill.
Chair: Mark Boyer Staff: Jessa Allen
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Membership a. Membership Stats b. Recruitment c. Membership Survey Results
4. USApple Young Leaders Program
5. Communications Update
6. Outlook 2016 Update
7. Other Business
8. Adjournment
2016 Membership Committee
Mark Boyer, Chair Ridgetop Orchards, LLC 2953 Valley Road Fishertown, PA 15539‐0113 814‐494‐0963 [email protected] Jon Alegria CPC International Apple Co. P.O. Box 343 Tieton, WA 98947 509‐673‐3113 [email protected] Dave Benner El Vista Orchards, Inc. 1160 Cold Spring Road Fairfield, PA 17320‐9453 717‐642‐8414 [email protected] Tony Blattner BelleHarvest Sales, Inc. 11900 Fisk Road Belding, MI 48809‐9413 616‐690‐8167 [email protected] Steve Clement Sage Fruit Company P.O. Box 2589 Yakima, WA 98907 509‐494‐1965 [email protected] Frank Davis Domex Superfresh Growers 151 Low Road Yakima, WA 98908‐9643 509‐966‐1814 [email protected]
Al Dietrich Ridgeview Orchards 882 Harding St. Conklin, MI 49403 616‐893‐6460 [email protected] Bill Dodd Fruit Growers Marketing Association 50336 Telegraph Road Amherst, OH 44001 440‐670‐2883 [email protected] Philip Glaize Glaize Apples 112 E. Piccadilly Street Winchester, VA 22601 [email protected] Damon Glei Glei's Inc 3500 Milnes Rd. Hillsdale, MI 49242 517‐398‐2717 [email protected] John Graden Crunch Pak, LLC 300 Sunset Avenue Cashmere, WA 98815 425‐444‐2554 [email protected] Ken Guise Knouse Foods Cooperative, Inc. 800 Peach Glen‐Idaville Road Peach Glen, PA 17375‐0001 717‐677‐8181 [email protected]
Greg Lyons Agrofresh, Inc. 7491 Pot‐O‐Gold Lane Wenatchee, WA 98801 (509) 521‐9594 [email protected] Mark Nicholson Red Jacket Orchards, Inc. 957 Canandaigua Road Geneva, NY 14456 315‐787‐0103 [email protected] Ned O'Neill Joseph P. Sullivan & Co., Inc. 50 Barnum Road P.O. Box 449 Ayer, MA 01432‐0449 978‐862‐0729 [email protected] Bob Price Price Cold Storage & Packing Co., Inc. P.O. Box 4078 Yakima, WA 98904‐0078 509‐966‐4110 [email protected] Jordan Rasch Green Tree Orchards LLC 467 Coolidge St. Conklin, MI 49403 616‐887‐9024 [email protected] Julia Rothwell Belding Fruit Storage 3520 Bird Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616‐794‐0320 [email protected] Diane Smith Michigan Apple Committee 13750 S. Sedona Parkway Suite 3 Lansing, MI 48906 800‐456‐2753 [email protected]
Mike Wade Columbia Fruit Packers, Inc. 2575 Euclid Street P. O. Box 920 Wenatchee, WA 98801 509‐662‐7153 [email protected] Jessa Allen, Staff Liaison U.S. Apple Association 8233 Old Courthouse Road Suite 200 Vienna, VA 22182 703‐442‐8850 [email protected]
MINUTES (DRAFT)
Membership/Communications Committee
The Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel Washington, D.C.
March 4, 2016
Committee Members Present: Mark Boyer, Chair Dave Benner Steve Clement Philip Glaize Damon Glei Ned O’Neill Bob Price Jordan Rasch Julia Rothwell Diane Smith Mike Wade Guests Present: Chris Alpers Jessica Alpers Julie Bancroft Michael Day Candace DeLong Mike Dietrich David Douglas Tim Dressel Bridget Engelsma
Ben Gammie Brooke Gammie Craig Hinkle Amy Irish-Brown Robert Jonaitis Juliette King Derek Larson Jordan Moore Mike Preacher Jake Robison Steve Smith Kaari Stannard Sally Symms Christopher Whipple Suzanne Wolter Libby Wright Staff Present: Jessa Allen Jim Bair Wendy Brannen Diane Kurrle Niza Strike
Call to Order Chairman Boyer called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting. Approval of Minutes The minutes of the previous meeting of the USApple Membership/Communications Committee on August 21, 2015 were reviewed. A motion was properly made and seconded to approve the minutes of the August 21, 2015 meeting of the USApple Membership/Communications Committee as presented. The motion was adopted.
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Membership Report The Committee reviewed the analysis of USApple’s membership by category. As of March 1, there were 161 individual dues paying members, generating $158,125 in dues revenue, exceeding the FY15-16 budget of $147,000. Eleven new companies joined the Association generating $9,525 in revenue. There were 766 non-direct dues paying grower members (growers from states paying their full assessment to USApple). The 2016 membership dues renewal invoices were mailed to each member company’s main contact on November 2. Follow up invoices were mailed December 2 with a copy of 2015 Annual Review, January 6 with USApple’s Capitol Hill Day flyer, and February 5. The final notice will be sent March 10 and followed up with a phone call. To date, there are only 10 pending renewals and the retention rate is 93%. Allen provided the current list of dues paying members. There was discussion about how USApple has built a solid foundation with dues renewals/member retention. We will now shift gears focusing on member recruitment efforts. Staff will development a ‘Join Now’ USApple business card for committee members to hand out to their industry partners. A prospective member target list will also be created and shared with the committee. As always, committee members are encouraged to send prospects to staff for ongoing membership recruitment efforts. The new USApple website will feature a ‘Find a Member/Orchard’ map, which will be a complimentary benefit to all dues paying members. We envision this map being another recruitment tool for membership. Communications Report The Committee reviewed statistics on USApple’s various member outreach communication tools. Apple Bites continues to be emailed to members every other week. The open rates averaged 34% which is consistent with previous reports. Staff will continue to tweak the format of Apple Bites to make it more reader‐friendly. There was discussion about Apple News, which is sent to members quarterly. Given the limited number of clicks per issue, it was decided that Apple News is not the best use of staff resources and we will discontinue the newsletter. USApple will keep members informed with Apple Bites and Member Alerts. Allen reported that USApple continues to provide communications, editorials and articles to fruit trade publications and two state association newsletters, including the American Fruit Grower, Fruit Growers News, Good Fruit Grower, Michigan Apple Committee and New York Apple Association. Young Apple Leaders Program Allen reported on the 2016 Young Apple Leaders Program. There was an overwhelming response of candidates and the class of 2016 included 16 Young Apple Leaders representing seven states (Idaho, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington).
Kyle Benner, El Vista Orchards Inc., Fairfield, Pennsylvania Ryan Burk, Angry Orchard, Beacon, New York Stephen Cowher, Dawson's Orchards, Enon Valley, Pennsylvania Michael Day, Sunfair Marketing, Yakima, Washington Candace DeLong, Fruit Hill Orchard, LLC, Winchester, Virginia Tim Dressel, Dressel Farms, New Paltz, New York Bridget Engelsma, J Engelsma Orchard Inc., Walker, Michigan Robert Jonaitis, Ken Schwallier Orchards, Inc., Coopersville, Michigan Juliette King, King Orchards, Central Lake, Michigan Derek Larson, Sage Fruit Company, Yakima, Washington Jordan Moore, Moore Orchard, Oak Harbor, Ohio Jake Robison, Robison Orchards, Chelan, Washington
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Tyler Sanchez, Douglas Fruit, Pasco, Washington Sally Symms, Symms Fruit Ranch, Inc., Caldwell, Idaho Chris Whipple, Kirby's Farm Market, LLC, Holley, New York Libby Wright, Glen Hill Orchards, Mount Vernon, Ohio
Allen shared the schedule for the 2016 Young Apple Leader Program. The Wednesday evening dinner was hosted at the Capitol Lounge. Board members, sponsors and state executives were invited to attend. In addition to Capitol Hill Day and committee meetings, the YALs were also invited to Thursday’s USApplePAC Reception and Friday’s Leadership Dinner. The Young Apple Leaders Program was sponsored by Farm Credit East, Knouse Foods Cooperative, Michigan Apple Committee, New England Apple Growers, New York Apple Sales, Northwest Farm Credit, Ohio Apple Marketing Program and Tree Top. The total amount of sponsorship revenue was $28,000 plus an additional $10,406 was carried forward from FY14-15 sponsorship money that was not spent. FY16-17 Activity Plan and Budget The FY16-17 Membership/Communications Program Activity Plan and Budget were reviewed. Motion: A motion was properly made and seconded to approve the FY16-17 Membership / Communications Program Activity Plan and Budget as presented. The motion was adopted. Adjournment There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 2:28 p.m.
Membership Report 2016 2015 2014 2013
Category # of Members # of Members # of Members # of Members
Apple Industry Business ‐ Level 1 60 55 51 46
Apple Industry Business ‐ Level 2 24 24 25 22
Apple Industry Business ‐ Level 3 22 19 26 13
Apple Industry Business ‐ Level 4 14 9 8 10
Local Associate 16 12 10 9
Regional Associate 13 14 11 11
National Associate 13 11 9 1
Special (trade associations, health/education orgs) 11 12 10 1
Academic/Government 6 5 2 3
Growers 760 709 686 714
Total Members (includes Growers) 939 870 838 830
Total Dues Paying Members 179 (+ 18 / 11%)
161 (+ 9 / 6%)
152 (+ 36 / 31%)
116
RevenueYear to Year Increase
$ 176,500 (+ $8,339 / 5%)
$168,161 (+ $17,886 / 12%)
$150,275 (+ $32,388 / 27%)
$117,887
vs. BudgetRevenue Over Budget
$ 147,000 (+ $29,500 / 20%)
$135,000 (+ $33,161 / 25%)
$135,000 (+ $15,275 / 11%)
$130,000
3 Year Summary Rev = $58,163 / 50%Members = 63 / 54%
2016 Retention 2015 Retention 2014 Retention FY15‐16 New Members
Invoiced 163 Invoiced 149 Invoiced 154 Apple Business Level 1 5 $2,625.00
Renewals 157 Renewals 137 Renewals 133 Apple Business Level 2 1 $1,575.00
New 22 New 24 New / Rejoined 19 Apple Business Level 3 4 $10,600.00
Cancelled 6 Cancelled 12 Cancelled 21 Apple Business Level 4 4 $2,100.00
Retention 96% Retention 92% Retention 86% Local Associate 4 $1,100.00
National Associate 2 $5,300.00
Special 2 $650.00
Total 22 $23,950.00
FY15‐16 New Members
Member Category Company Name First Name Last Name City State Country
Assoc ‐ Local Agro‐100 Global Lorne Bienstock Joliette Canada
AB ‐ Level 2 Andros North America Jon Corser Mt. Jackson VA
AB ‐ Level 1 Angry Orchard Ryan Burk Walden NY
AB ‐ Level 3 Douglas Fruit David Douglas Pasco WA
AB ‐ Level 1 Ever Fresh Fruit Company John Logan Sandy OR
Assoc ‐ Local FreshFit Solutions Suzanne Wolter Downers Grove IL
Academic/Govt Gabinete MAG Miguel Angel Giacinti Centenario Argentina
Special Givaudan Flavors Corp. Evelien Boerrigter Lakeland FL
AB ‐ Level 4 Global Natural Foods Randy Lewis Livingston Manor NY
Assoc ‐ Local Hancock Agricultural Investment Group Jay Graham Boise ID
AB ‐ Level 4 Manzana Products Co. Ted Keys Sebastopol CA
AB ‐ Level 3 McDougall & Sons, Inc. Stuart McDougall Wenatchee WA
Assoc ‐ Local Meister Media Jim Cowart Willoughby OH
AB ‐ Level 1 Neil Jones Food Company John Kor Vancouver WA
Assoc ‐ National Neogen Corporation Melissa Herbert Lansing MI
AB ‐ Level 1 New England Apple Products Co. Steven Rowse Leominster MA
AB ‐ Level 4 Old Orchard Brands, LLC Chris Kohler Sparta MI
AB ‐ Level 4 Paquime Leighton Romney El Paso TX
AB ‐ Level 1 Symms Fruit Ranch, Inc. Sally Symms Caldwell ID
AB ‐ Level 3 T.B. Fruit Roma Bozhyk Downers Grove IL
Assoc ‐ National Valent USA Corporation Jeff Smith Peachtree City GA
AB ‐ Level 3 Yakima Fresh Steve Smith Yakima WA
CANDACE DELONGFruit Hill Orchard, LLCWinchester, Virginia
Candace grew up without a farming background in Anderson, Indiana.
After receiving her Bachelor's degree in Biology from Anderson University in Indiana, an interest in plant science inspired her to continue her educa-tion by pursuing a Master's degree in Horticulture from Virginia Tech. Instead of studying and researching at the main Virginia Tech campus, Candace completed research for her thesis at the Alson H. Smith, Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center located in Winchester, Virginia, one of the primary apple growing regions in the state. The research completed for her thesis was focused on apple flower development, blossom thinning and other aspects of crop load manage-ment. Candace recently was hired as an Orchard Manager at Fruit Hill Orchard, LLC, a multi-generational farm also located in Winchester where she will be overseeing and partici-pating in many of the horticultural and pest management practices. Fruit Hill Orchard grows apples, and just a few peaches, for the processing market. Candace is also an active member of the newly-founded Young Grower Alliance of Virginia.
ROBERT JONAITISKen Schwallier Orchards, Inc.Coopersville, Michigan
Bob is the Operations Manager at Ken Schwallier
Orchards, Inc in Coopersville, Michigan where he oversees the growing, harvesting, and packing of apples. Bob grew up in Grand Rapids and spent many summers (and winters) working on his uncle’s produce farm where he gained a passion for farming. In 2004 he met the love of his life, Anna, an apple farmer’s daughter. As he picked her up for their first date, her father jokingly asked if he was looking for a job on their family farm. Little did they know at the time, Bob and Anna would be married three years later and then have three little girls. In 2014, he finally came to work full-time on the farm. Bob and Anna dream of someday taking over the family business to make them the fifth generation to farm the land. Bob sees everyday as a new opportu-nity to learn and grow in his knowledge and love of the apple industry.
JULIETTE KINGKing OrchardsCentral Lake, Michigan
Juliette, Project Manager at King Orchards
in Michigan, has experienced the produce industry from many angles in her developing career. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Agribusiness Management with a Specialization in Food Industry Management and a Bachelor’s of Science in Horticulture, both from Michigan State. After a brief stint as a ski bum in Colorado,
2016 YOUNG APPLE LEADERSshe moved to Chicago and worked at Strube Celery and Vegetable on the Chicago terminal market as a vegetable salesman. Once the early market hours took a toll, Juliette moved to Nielsen Perishables Group, a market analysis and consulting firm that focuses on the fresh food industry. At Nielsen Perishables Group, Juliette was able to work with world-class produce companies on a daily basis and hone in her marketing and analysis skills. As recently as September 2015, the family business lured her back to Michigan where she is eagerly taking on business management roles and very excited about the future, both on a personal and industry-wide level.
CHRISTOPHER WHIPPLEKirby's Farm Market, LLCHolley, New York
Chris is the Orchard Manager and a
minority owner at Kirby’s Farm Market, LLC. Chris also owns a small farm with his brother in Kendall, N.Y. where they grow and process hops. He has been working on fruit farms since he was in high school. In 2007 he received a Bachelor’s in Accounting from SUNY Brockport and subsequently spent a year working at a CPA firm in Rochester. In 2009 he returned to farming and is now transitioning into ownership at Kirby’s Farm Market, LLC in Albion as the current owners begin phasing into retirement. As someone with the desire to have a positive influ-ence in his community and a passion for agriculture, Chris was accepted to Class 15 of LEAD NY in 2014. Chris currently lives near Holley, N.Y. with his wife and their 15 month old daughter, Annabelle.
2017 YOUNG APPLE LEADERS PROMOTION SCHEDULE
2016
Ongoing
September 15
December 15
December 31
Outreach to Potential Sponsors
Promotion Starts for 2017 Young Apple Leaders
Program Applications Due
Extension of Applications Deadline (if needed)
2017
January 15
January 15
February 1
State Selections Due
Announce Class of 2017 Young Apple Leaders
Coordinate Travel Arrangements with YALs
Issue Open Rate Clicks
7.27.16 32.8% 52
7.12.16 33.0% 46
6.29.16 32.0% 37
6.14.16 33.1% 46
5.17.16 35.4% 30
5.3.16 34.4% 44
4.19.16 34.1% 52
4.6.16 39.8% 133 Frost damage pdf (117) 3.22.16 38.8% 18
Topic Date Open Rate
USDA Reverses Decision to Close Sole Apple Postharvest Research Laboratory 8.3.16 33.4%
House Passes GMO Labeling Bill; President's Signature is Final Step 7.14.16 34.3%
Senate passes USApple‐supported GMO labeling bill 7.8.16 36.9%
Apples4Ed Call for 2016 Nominations 6.13.16 30.0%
Produce Industry Meets with FDA to Raise FSMA Implementation Issues 5.11.16 31.7%
USApple.org: New Website is Live! 4.25.16 32.0%
2016 USApple Membership Survey 4.20.16 32.6%
Cold Weather and Crop Insurance 4.11.16 38.3%
Outlook 2016 Sponsors
Company Item Level Amount
AgroFresh Onsite Guide / Board Dinner Platinum $ 25,000.00
T.B. Fruit new Name Badge Holder Platinum $ 20,000.00
Bayer CropScience LP Production & Utilization Report Gold $ 15,000.00
Valent USA Networking Break Silver $ 7,650.00
DECCO US Post‐Harvest, Inc. General Session Silver $ 7,500.00
FruitSmart Tote Bag Silver $ 7,500.00
Pace International Hotel Key Cards Silver $ 7,500.00
Syngenta General Session Silver $ 7,500.00
Dr Pepper Snapple Group Conference Notepads Bronze $ 5,000.00
Knouse Food Cooperative, Inc. Networking Break Bronze $ 5,000.00
Moss Adams, LLP Lanyards Bronze $ 5,000.00
North Bay Produce, Inc. Mints Bronze $ 5,000.00
Tree Top, Inc. Water Bottle/Tumbler Bronze $ 5,000.00
Zhonglu America Corp Pens Bronze $ 2,500.00
Atlas Pacific Promotional Insert Other $ 1,500.00
Agri‐100 new Promotional Insert Other $ 1,500.00
Harvista new Apple Bites Ads Other $ 750.00
Food Ingredients Solutions new Business Card Ad Other $ 250.00
$ 129,150.00
Budget Goal = $106,000 (Compared to $102,050 in sponsor revenue for Outlook 2015 / 26% increase) Board/Sponsor Host Program Pre‐Conference Communications Introductions at Outlook Appreciation for Sponsorship
Thank You to our Outlook 2016 Sponsors!
PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE