03/26/08 Two Idahoans elected to USPB exec committee

Cheryl Koompin of American Falls and Shane Webster of Rexburg have been elected to the US Potato Board Executive Committee. A fifth generation grower Webster will co-chair the Domestic Marketing Committee and is now serving his third year on the USPB. He says he wants to see the new "Potatoes, goodness unearthed" campaign implemented. Koompin is now in her second year as co-chair of the International Marketing program which direct all activities aimed at increasing US potato exports. Potato Board spokesman David Fairbourne says Koompin is very involved in her family's farming operations but it goes beyond that. FAIRBOURNE "She has visited many third world areas and environments in Africa representing the United States Potato Board and the private voluntary organizations efforts to incorporate dehydrated potatoes, US dehydrated potatoes in those relief efforts." Five other potato growers outside Idaho were also elected to the executive committee at the annual US Potato Board meeting held earlier this month. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott