Jul 30, 2008

Washington Apple Commission President Placed on Leave

The president of the Washington Apple Commission, Dave Carlson, is going on paid administrative leave as of Sept. 1, by action of the Board of Directors at a July 24 meeting, according to the commission.

Citing the need to go in “a different direction,” the board voted in an 8-1 decision to place Carlson, who has been president since the reorganization of the commission in 2003, on indefinite leave.

The Wenatchee, Wash.-based commission focuses on export promotions in more than 30 international markets and will receive $4.8 million in federal marketing access promotion funds for the 2008-09 season.

Also during the July 24 meeting, the board estimated the upcoming 2008-09 crop at 98.3 million bushel boxes and passed a budget based on a 96 million-box crop.

In addition to federal funds, commission activities are supported by a 3.5-cent per bushel assessment.