Michigan Apple Committee Hires Two Account Managers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Diane Smith
Executive Director
800-456-2753
DEWITT, Mich. – The Michigan Apple Committee has hired two Account Managers, who will facilitate the sale of Michigan apples in retail stores. Michael Bardon of Grand Ledge, Michigan and Terry Braithwaite of East Wenatchee, Washington will begin work with the committee this month.
“The timing is perfect for getting our two new account managers started as we prepare for the 2013 apple season. After not having a presence in the retail marketplace for nearly a year, the account managers will play a key role in bringing Michigan apples back in a big way,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “Both Mike and Terry have a great deal of experience that will be to our advantage in what we are expecting to be a very busy year.”
Bardon has significant retail experience with large companies such as Frito-Lay and Ralston-Purina Company. Most recently, he spent 11 years working for The Coleman Company as the Eastern U.S. Sales Manager, where he was recognized as a top vendor by Meijer E Commerce.
Braithwaite has spent his entire career in the produce industry, having held positions with Super Valu, Agri-Fresh Procurement and Dole Northwest. He developed a number of innovative programs as Director of Marketing for Chelan Fresh Marketing before joining the Michigan Apple Committee.
“Like most of the growers and industry we represent, we had to make a lot of changes and budget cuts after the crop loss,” Smith said. “Now we are glad to be adding staff and investing our time and energy in preparations for 2013. Our staff is ready to hit the ground running for ‘the comeback kid’ – Michigan apples!”
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit MichiganApples.com.