2008 Press Releases
Organic Trade Association announces 2008-2009 officers
News Release
For more information:
Barbara Haumann, Press Secretary 413-774-7511
Julia Sabin named as President
CHICAGO, Illinois (May 6, 2008)- Julia Sabin of Smucker Quality Beverages, who most recently served as the Organic Trade Association's (OTA's) Vice President representing the United States, has been selected to serve as President of the trade association for the coming year. She succeeds Jesse Singerman of Prairie Ventures, who has completed a two-year term. Sabin's new role was announced Saturday, April 26, at OTA's Annual Meeting held in Chicago in conjunction with the 2008 All Things OrganicTM Conference and Trade Show at McCormick Place.
Other officers for 2008-2009 are Matt McLean of Uncle Matt's Organics, Inc., Vice President - U.S.A.; Dag Falck of Nature's Path, Vice President - Canada; Todd Linsky of Cal/Organic-Grimmway Farms, Secretary; and Chuck Marcy of Healthy Food Holdings, LLC, Treasurer.
Results from OTA's recent Board of Directors election were also announced at the Annual Meeting. Newly elected to the Board for three-year terms were Sarah Bird, Vice President of Marketing at Annie's Homegrown, and Melody Meyer, National Director of Procurement for Fresh Produce for Albert's Organics. Meanwhile, McLean was re-elected for another three-year term.
In addition, the Board appointed Tony Bedard of Frontier Natural Products Co-op and Marcy to each fill a three-year term, and Craig Weakley of Small Planet Foods, Inc., to fill a one-year vacancy.
Other members on the Board include Hélène Bouvier of Organic Ranchers/MOMA Trade Pool, Inc., Lynn Clarkson of Clarkson Grain Company, Jack Erisman of Goldmine Farms, Phil Margolis of Neshaminy Valley Natural Foods Distributor, Theresa Marquez of Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative, and Marty Mesh of Florida Organic Growers/Quality Certification Services.
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The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. Its more than 1,700 members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy.
