Reeder, Karaoghlanian, Miles and Holtz to Serve as Officers

IRVINE, Calif. (December 15, 2009) — Don Reeder was elected to the office of chairman of the California Avocado Commission (CAC) at its November Board of Directors meeting. Ohannes Karaoghlanian will serve as vice chair, with Bradley Miles as secretary and Ben Holtz as treasurer.

The elections filled five member positions and two handler positions this year. The Commission Board members serve two-year terms with the new members joining eight members already seated.

“I’m looking forward to working with the new CAC Board,” said Reeder. “The California Avocado industry is forecasting a solid crop this coming season, and our primary focus will be to encourage avocado demand when our fruit is at its peak of availability and quality.”

California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) representative Dennis Manderfield presided over the election of the board chairperson and presented a plaque of recognition to outgoing CAC Board Chairman, Rick Shade.

“The CDFA recognizes the achievement of Rick Shade in his role as chairperson for the California Avocado Commission,” said Manderfield. “Shade and the California Avocado Commission have provided outstanding service to the industry during his tenure as chair these past two years, especially in addressing the issues reported in the CDFA audit to CDFA’s satisfaction.”

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.