On November 16, California Citrus Mutual (CCM) will celebrate 40 years as the “Voice of the Citrus Grower” at its Annual Meeting held at the Visalia Convention Center.
CCM is the only trade association dedicated solely to representing the interests of California’s citrus growers on the issues that impact them most.
Founded in 1977, by growers for growers, the mission of the association is to advocate for policies that allow for fair competition in the marketplace and to share with members of the public, the legislature, regulatory agencies, and others how the citrus industry supports the economic and environmental health of California and its people.
“Over the years, our mission has expanded to meet the growing and changing needs of the industry,” says CCM President Joel Nelsen, who has led the association since 1982.
“The original role of CCM was to be an unbiased source of market information and price data. While that function remains a key benefit of membership, our influence and leadership within and outside the industry is far broader.
“Whether it be interacting with policy makers or fostering open lines of communication within our own industry, our objective is first and foremost to create a business climate that ensures citrus growers have a sustainable future in California.”
Today the association represents over 2,500 growers and 75% of the state’s $3.3 billion citrus industry.
CCM Chairman Curt Holmes, returning for a second term as Chair of the Board of Directors describes the association as a unifier, “As I look to the future of California Citrus Mutual, I am excited and optimistic for things to come. If the results of the past are an indication of the future, I am confident that CCM will continue to lead, shape, and unify our industry into a cohesive force so that the growers, employees, and support industries remain prosperous.”
The CCM Annual Meeting will be held at the Visalia Convention Center beginning at 6pm with a no-host reception followed by dinner and the evening’s program at 7pm.
Attendees will be entertained by the thought-provoking and insightful commentary of syndicated columnist Ruben Navarrette who will reflect on the concept of “fake news” and its influence on the current social and political climate.
A Selma native, Navarrette is a nationally syndicated columnist with the Washington Post Writers Group and is a regular guest commentator on CNN, CNBC and Fox News Channel. He is not afraid to raise controversial topics and has become an increasingly important voice in the national political scene.
Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased by contacting California Citrus Mutual at (559) 592-3790. Tables of 8 and 10 are available.