conference to be held March 1
Industry leaders will discuss the current state of the tart cherry industry, where the industry has been, and where the industry needs to be headed for a more successful future. Emphasis will be on needed strategies, programs and strategic directions for the industry in order to be competitive in the marketplace and profitable in future years. Attention will also be given to how the industry can build onto certain areas for further improvement during the next few years.
The Tart Cherry Industry Strategy Planning Council, planners of the summit, includes representatives from a number of major cherry industry organizations including the Cherry Marketing Institute, Michigan Cherry Committee, Michigan Association of Food Processors, Cherry Industry Administrative Board, Michigan State Horticultural Society, CherrCo and Michigan State University (MSU).
Conference speakers will give their perspective and visions on future needs and directions for the cherry industry. Panel discussions on key topics will also be included. This will be an opportunity for those in the industry including growers, processors, cherry marketers, industry organizations and others industry segments to be involved in discussions on a number of key topics related to future prospects for the cherry industry.
The planned agenda for the conference is:
Conference goals and welcome - Phil Korson, Cherry Marketing Institute.
“The State of the Tart Cherry Industry” - Panel discussion. Panel chair, Terry Morrison, Michigan Food Processors Association. Panel members, Don Ricks, MSU; Phil Korson, Cherry Marketing Institute; Perry Hedin, Cherry Industry Administrative Board; Jim Jensen, CherrCo.
“Fruit Industry Strategies for Success in Today’s Competitive World” - Desmond O’Rourke, Washington State University
“Michigan Agriculture Now and in the Future” - Dan Wyant, director of the Michigan Department Of Agriculture
Luncheon - Speaker, Ian Gray, director of the MSU Agricultural Experiment Station - “MSU and the Cherry Industry for the New Millennium.”
“Cherry Market Expansion Opportunities” – Panel discussion. Panel chairman, Terry Morrison. Panel members, Dave Anderson, Agrilink Foods (invited); Dick Bogard, Cherry Central Cooperative; Bill Sherman, Burnette Foods Inc.; Don Nugent, Graceland Fruit Cooperative.
“Industry Strategies for Expanding Cherry Markets for the Future” – Phil Korson, CMI.
“Future Tart Cherry Acreage and Production Trends” - Don Ricks, MSU.
“Vision and Strategic Directions for the Cherry Industry’s Future,” - Earl Peterson, Peterson Farms.
“Needed Industry Strategies for the Future: A Grower’s Perspective, ” Don Gregory, Cherry Bay Orchards.
Discussion Session and Conference Wrap-up, moderated by Jim Nugent, MSU Extension.
There is no registration fee for this conference and lunch will be provided free. Costs for the conference will be covered by the sponsoring cherry industry organizations.
To facilitate planning for accommodations and the luncheon, fill out and return the form below, or register by calling the Cherry Marketing Institute at (517) 669-4264. The registration deadline is Feb. 23. Hotel reservations should be made with the Hilton Hotel by Feb. 8.
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