May 17, 2021
Have you voted for your regional representative on the USHBC?

The voting deadline for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council’s (USHBC) election for regional seats is fast approaching. Ballots must be received by the USHBC no later than close of business on Monday, May 31, 2021.

The current election is being held to seat representatives from the USHBC’s four regions onto its board of directors. Each regional position serves a three-year term that begins January 1, 2022, with a maximum of two consecutive terms possible. Eligible voters are being asked to cast a vote for one of the listed nominees for their region, with an option available for write-in candidates as well. Those nominated for each region are:

Region 1 (Western):

Tom Avinelis*, Jefferson, Oregon
Mandy Critchley, Reedley, Oregon
Shawn Cruz, Dallas, Oregon
Chad Hansen, Reedley, California
Ellie Norris*, Roseburg, Oregon
Anne Krahmer-Steinkamp, Salem, Oregon
Nathan Sakuma, Bow, Washington

Region 2 (Midwest):
Katelyn Craig, South Haven, Michigan
Patricia Goin*, North Judson, Indiana
Shelly Hartmann*, Grand Junction, Michigan

Region 3 (Northeast):
David Arena*, Hammonton, New Jersey
Chelsea Consalo, Egg Harbor City, New Jersey
Michael DiMeo, Hammonton, New Jersey
Arthur Galletta*, Hammonton, New Jersey

Region 4 (Southern):
Andrew J. Bennett, Jr., Waycross, Georgia
Jody McPherson, Rocky Point, North Carolina
Michael Thomas, Blackshear, Georgia
*Incumbent

Ballots were sent in late April to all eligible voters who have produced and paid assessments on 2,000 pounds or more of highbush (cultivated) blueberries in the United States between January 1 and Dece. 31, 2020. They may be returned via e-mail to [email protected], or via U.S. mail to the following address:

U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
Attn: Elections
81 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 110
Folsom, California 95630

If you have not received or have misplaced your ballot, please contact the USHBC office as soon as possible at (916) 983-0111 or [email protected].

To learn more about the USHBC and its leadership, visit ushbc.blueberry.org/about-ushbc/leadership-and-staff/.




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