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Commission Press Release

California Avocado Commission Appoints New President


Jun 29 2009

IRVINE, Calif. (June 29, 2009) — Tom Bellamore has been named president of the California Avocado Commission (CAC). The Commission's board of directors approved the appointment at their June 18 board meeting. Bellamore has served as CAC's acting president since May 2008.

"The appointment of Tom Bellamore as president of CAC demonstrates California avocado growers' confidence in the Commission's staff leadership," said Rick Shade, chairman of CAC. "Tom's experience with commodity boards and non-profit governance is invaluable as we chart the course for the California avocado industry.

"I look forward to building on CAC's strong foundation of leadership in marketing and category research," Bellamore said. "Even with the unprecedented challenges, I am confident in our ability to further solidify our premium positioning with consumers and to identify efficiencies in production that will enhance our yield per acre."

Bellamore joined the Commission in 1994, and served as senior vice president and corporate counsel until he was appointed to acting president last year. Prior to joining the Commission, Tom worked with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, American Brandy Association, and the USA Pea & Lentil Council. He also served as the London-based European Director for the Cotton Council International. His background includes extensive experience in the design and supervision of domestic and international commodity marketing programs, as well as the administration of overseas offices. In addition, he brings expertise on scientific and technical issues relating to U.S. phytosanitary policy, U.S. trade policy, and government affairs. Bellamore is a member of the California State Bar, and holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and a BS in Biology from the University of Alaska.

About the California Avocado Commission
Created in 1978, the California Avocado Commission strives to increase demand for California avocados through advertising, promotion and public relations, and engages in related industry activities that benefit the state's 6,000 avocado growers. The California Avocado Commission serves as the official information source for California avocados and the California avocado industry.