CLFP 2007-2008 Chairman

THE CALIFORNIA LEAGUE OF FOOD PROCESSORS ELECTS A NEW CHAIRMAN

Tim Gruenwald of Campbell Soup Company

SACRAMENTO (May 23, 2007) ­-- Tim Gruenwald, Director Agricultural Operations of Campbell Soup Company, was elected Chairman of the California League of Food Processors (CLFP) for 2007-2008 during its 103rd Annual Board of Directors Meeting held at The Four Seasons, Aviara in Carlsbad, California on April 21, 2007. Tim has a 27-year history with Campbell Soup Company, which has included Plant Manager at the Dixon, Stockton and Sacramento plants. Campbell Soup Company produces an array of products including “Swanson” broths, “Pace” salsas, “Prego” sauces and “V8” juices. The Sacramento plant distributes throughout the Western United States and exports to Asia.

Pat Coe, ConAgra Foods, was elected Vice Chairman of the association for the 2007-2008 term. Brad Stapleton, Stapleton-Spence Packing Company, will continue services as Immediate Past Chairman.

Members elected to join the CLFP Executive Committee for the 2007-2009 term are:  P.J. Mecozzi of Del Mar Food Products Corp.; Randy Rickert of Unilever Supply Chain, Inc.; Sherm Railsback of Rio Bravo Tomato Co. LLC; Chris Rufer of The Morning Star Packing Co.; and Dave Withycombe of Del Monte Foods.

They join current members of the Executive Committee whose term expires 2008:  Fred Baker of Seneca Foods Corporation; Tom Cortopassi of Stanislaus Food Products; Bill McFarland of Musco Family Olive Co.; Reuben Peterson of H.J. Heinz Company; Steve Rasmussen of Sunsweet Dryers; and Dan Sroufe of Pacific Coast Producers.

CLFP staff offices elected include:  Ed Yates, President; Bill Grigg, Vice President; Rob Neenan, Secretary; and Janet Burk, Treasurer. 

Established in 1905, the California League of Food Processors is a not-for-profit trade association which represents the interests of the state’s fruit and vegetable canning, freezing and dehydrating processing industry. CLFP member companies produce billions of dollars worth of food products from California-grown crops each year.

 California League of Food Processors Office:  1755 Creekside Oaks Drive, Suite 250,   Sacramento, CA 95833 Phone: (916) 640-8150 Fax: (916) 640-8156