Apple Citizen of the Year

Apple Citizen of the Year

Apple Citizen of the Year. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report.

The Apple Citizen of the Year award began in 1981 to honor the roots of the Apple Blossom Festival in Wenatchee and the leaders that make this the "Apple Capital of the World." Each year, an industry leader is chosen as the Apple Citizen of the Year and the Ag Networks, KayDee Gilkey has this years' winner.

GILKEY: Thanks, Greg. This year the award has gone to Custom Apple/Starr Ranch Growers CFO David Smeltzer. He's a 1971 graduate of Wenatchee High School and graduated from Washington State University in 1976 with a degree in accounting. He began his career with Peshastin Fruit Growers Association as an accountant, and in 1978 he went to work for Cascadian Fruit Shippers as office manager, eventually taking on the position of general manager. Over the years, Smeltzer has served on many fruit industry boards and is currently a board member of the Northwest Horticultural Council and the Northwest Fruit Exporters.

Thanks KayDee. David Smeltzer will be honored at the All Service Club Luncheon on Wednesday, May 4, and will also ride in the Stemilt Growers Grand Parade on May 7. 

That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network of the West.

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