FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2007
www.stemilt.com
Contact: Roger Pepperl
Marketing Director
West Mathison selected for Gov. Gregoire’s new advisory council
Stemilt President West Mathison, shown above, was recently selected for Gov. Chris Gregoire’s new Eastern Washington Advisory Council.
WENATCHEE, Wash. – Washington state Gov. Chris Gregoire recently selected Stemilt Growers’ President West Mathison for the new Eastern Washington Advisory Council. The 16-member council will tackle issues related to eastern Washington, including its agriculture industry.
“The overall goal is to increase communication with Governor Gregoire and her staff regarding issues facing central and eastern Washington. It will be beneficial for both groups to be able to provide each other with information and feedback that pertains to those issues,” Mathison said.
One issue of particular interest to Mathison is to evaluate current housing for temporary workers. He will also provide the group with a voice and perspective relevant to the tree fruit industry.
Mathison became president of Stemilt in July 2005 after serving for several years as the company’s executive vice president. He is also a board member for the Washington State Horticulture Association, which is involved in policymaking issues regarding the tree fruit industry.
Founded in 1960 by Tom Mathison, Stemilt is a leading grower, packer and shipper of tree fruit. It is the nation’s leading shipper of sweet cherries and one of the leading shippers of Northwest apples and pears. Stemilt is also an invested leader in organic tree fruits—with over 2,000 acres and an entire packing facility dedicated to processing organic fruits. Based in Wenatchee, Wash., Stemilt prides itself on delivering the best-quality products while simultaneously working to protect the social and natural environments.