February 14, 2024 (Fresno, CA) – The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) is pleased to announce the recipient for the Mentors’ Award along with the speakers that will headline the Industry Workshops during its upcoming 88th Annual Meeting on March 10-12, 2024, at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay.
The Association will honor Louis Pandol of Pandol Bros., LLC, with the prestigious Mentors’ Award, which is bestowed to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the California fresh grape, berry, and tree fruit communities through their leadership in the industry.
Pandol is an owner/shareholder in Pandol Bros., Inc., a leading worldwide marketer of fresh table grapes operating in Delano, where he serves as the Corporate Secretary and Chairman of the Board.
He has dedicated his life to service in both the agricultural industry and his local community. In Delano, Pandol has served on the Greater Delano Area Youth Foundation, Delano Elks Lodge and American Slavonic Social Club. He has served in leadership roles on the boards and committees of Farm Credit West, Associated Fruit Producers of California, CDFA Shipping Point Advisory, CDFA Standardization Committee, California Table Grape Commission and CFFA.
This year’s Industry Workshops will feature three sessions, one on Monday and two on Tuesday.
On Monday, March 11, the Industry Workshop will feature a panel discussion on agricultural technology. The conversation will be moderated by Dennis Donahue with the Western Growers for Innovation and Technology. The panelists will include Harold McClarty of HMC Farms, Megan Nunes of Bountiful, and Rob Trice of Better Food Ventures and The Mixing Bowl.
On Tuesday, March 12, attendees will hear from Abby Taylor-Silva of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation. She will be providing a presentation to attendees focusing on management versus leadership and how the best leaders balance and cultivate both roles in tandem.
Immediately following, attendees will hear from Ron Barsamian, of Barsamian and Moody with an update on the implementation of AB 2183, California’s Card Check law.
CFFA President Daniel Hartwig stated, “The Association looks forward to welcoming CFFA members to the 88th Annual Meeting in Half Moon Bay and is thrilled to be honoring Louis Panol for his years of service to the fresh fruit industry as well as to CFFA. Additionally, we are excited to have industry experts headline our Industry Workshops. They will provide a dynamic discussion for our membership.”
Information regarding CFFA’s 88th Annual Meeting can be found here.
The California Fresh Fruit Association is a voluntary, public policy organization that represents growers, packers, and shippers of the California table grape, blueberry, kiwi, pomegranate, and deciduous tree fruit communities. CFFA serves as a representative for these growers, shippers, and packers, on issues at both the state and federal levels. More information on the Association can be found at www.cafreshfruit.com.
CONTACT: Courtney Razor
(559) 859-4960 – Cell
crazor@cafreshfruit.com
