2025 Agricultural Cooperatives Leadership Conference

Date: 
Thursday, February 6, 2025 - 12:30pm to Friday, February 7, 2025 - 12:30pm
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade
100 Capitol Mall
95814 Sacramento , CA

Info

Register

 

 

 

 

     

Registration is now closed as we have reached venue capacity!

   CCCD Members  Non-Members**  
Conference Fee (Thu Feb 6 & Fri Feb 7):   $400*  $450*
Banquet Dinner (Thu Feb 6):   $75-$90  $75-$90

*$50 additional fee after Friday, January 24

**NOT a member of CCCD? Please Join!
Besides a considerable savings on conference fees you will be helping to support the cooperative movement. Member discount applies to all registrants from your cooperative or organization.

About

This annual event provides professional development and networking opportunities for leaders and directors of agricultural cooperatives. Our conference features expert-led sessions aimed at enhancing cooperative business skills while addressing key issues impacting California agricultural cooperatives, including regulatory, financial, and market trends.

Who Should Attend

The forum is designed for seasonal and new directors and top-level management of established agricultural cooperatives. Academic and other support industry practitioners are also welcome.

 

SOLD OUT: Banquet Dinner venue: Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana

Hotel room reservation: Embassy Suites

Schedule

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Thursday, February 6 

12:30 Check in 

 

1:00 Welcome & Introductions 

 

1:15 The Bank Perspective – Key Co-op Financial Metrics 

Brett Lauppe, Regional Vice President | Renee Avilla, Credit Director | CoBank    

Participants will gain insights into the critical financial metrics that banks use to evaluate cooperative businesses. Designed for co-op managers, board members, and financial staff, the session will cover essential indicators of financial health, including liquidity, leverage, profitability, and solvency. Experts will explain how these metrics inform lending decisions and influence financing options. Participants will also learn strategies to enhance financial performance and align with banking expectations, ensuring cooperative sustainability and growth. 

 

2:00 Break 

 

2:20 Multidimensional Governance & Developing your Co-op Leadership Toolbox 

Dr. John L. Park, Professor and Extension Specialist |Texas A&M University Co-op 

Co-op leadership is multi-dimensional. In this interactive session, Dr. John Park will help co-op directors reframe their thinking about effective co-op governance to include the self, the board, and the organization. Directors will complete a self-assessment to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, leaving the session with goals for improving their co-op leadership skills. 

 

4:00 Key Advocacy and Policy Updates for California 

Tricia Geringer, Vice President of Government Affairs | Agricultural Council of California 

This talk will highlight recent legislative developments, regulatory challenges, and strategic initiatives aimed at supporting California’s agricultural industry.  

 

5pm Adjourn 

 

5:30 Reception at Il Fornaio restaurant 

 

6:00 Banquet Dinner at Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana 

 

6:40 Evening presentation - Navigating Post-Election Tax Strategies: Maximizing Credits, Incentives, and Tax Planning 

Robby Walker, CPA, Agribusiness, Food, and Beverage | CliftonLarsonAllen 

This presentation will explore the latest post-election tax strategies, focusing on maximizing available credits and incentives. Additionally, we will delve into business and individual tax planning techniques, including effective gift and estate planning to optimize your financial future. 

 

Friday, February 7 

 

7:30 Check-in & Breakfast 

 

8:15 A look at yesterday’s talks & introduction to Case Studies 

Our annual spotlight on cooperative case studies will be led by speakers from within the following cooperatives, facilitated by Professor Michael Boland from the University of Minnesota. Case studies 

provide valuable insights by offering real-world examples that illuminate successful strategies, challenges, and best practices, facilitating informed decision-making, offering nuanced understanding of complex situations, and fostering learning within the cooperative community. 

 

8:30 What is going on in PNW / Canadian Specialty Crop cooperatives? The Story of the BC Tree Fruit Cooperative 

Michael Boland, Professor of Agricultural Economics | University of Minnesota 

Professor Boland will give an update on what has been happening in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) NW specialty crop industry and their cooperatives in light of the BC Tree Fruit Cooperative bankruptcy. Cooperatives have been an important part of the specialty crop industry. Cooperatives in canning and frozen vegetables, canning pears, hazelnuts, fruit packing, and similar industries have exited or leaving these industries. An inventory of these cooperatives in the PNW region will be described and discussed. 

 

9:15 Cherry Central Cooperative, a federated marketing cooperative 

Melanie LaPerriere, President CEO | Cherry Central Cooperative 

Melanie LaPerriere will discuss how this federated marketing cooperative model supports growers in navigating today’s agricultural marketplace. We’ll explore how Cherry Central unites its member cooperatives to address market challenges, from evolving consumer demands to global competition. Attendees will learn about the cooperative’s strategies for sustainable production, innovative marketing, and value-added processing that empower its members. Cherry Central has apple, tart cherry, blueberry, and cranberry growers spanning from Eastern Washington to Idaho, Utah, Michigan and Ontario, Canada. 

 

10:00 Break 

 

10:25 Blue Diamond Growers and current issues in the almond industry 

Laura Gerhard, Vice President, Ingredients and International Branded 

Discover how Blue Diamond Growers, the world’s largest almond processing and marketing cooperative, is pioneering advancements in the almond industry. This workshop presents a case study on Blue Diamond’s approaches to sustainability, market expansion, and product innovation in response to global demand and environmental challenges. Learn how the cooperative leverages research, technology, and member collaboration to create value for its growers and promote almonds worldwide.  

 

11:15 California Canning Peach Association and current developments in the canning peach industry 

Rich Hudgins, President and CEO | California Canning Peach Association 

Learn about the dynamic developments shaping today’s canning peach industry. We will examine how the association addresses pressing challenges such as shifting consumer preferences, labor shortages, and international competition. Gain insights into the Association’s strategic approaches to sustainability, market adaptation, and advocacy for local growers. California Canning Peach Association is a grower owned marketing and bargaining cooperative which represents an overwhelming majority of production in California.  

 

12:00 Lessons Learned & Summary  

Michael Boland, Professor of Agricultural Economics | University of Minnesota   

In this wrap-up, we’ll distill key insights from our case studies focusing on what drives cooperative success—from effective governance and member engagement to financial sustainability and resilience. Close out the day with actionable takeaways to strengthen your cooperation and navigate future challenges. 

 

12:30 Adjourn 

Speakers

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Speaker Bios

Michael Boland, Professor at University of Minnesota

Michael Boland is a Professor, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota. Mike Boland holds the Koller Endowed Professorship in agribusiness management and information technology, and researches economic issues affecting managerial decisions of agribusiness and food industry managers. He also serves as director of The Food Industry Center at University of Minnesota. Dr. Boland’s academic research focuses on economic issues affecting the governance of agricultural and food supply or value chains. Dr. Boland also teaches modules on governance, finance, and strategy to cooperative boards of directors and management.

 

Brett Lauppe, Region Vice President at CoBank

Brett Lauppe is Region Vice President for CoBank covering the Western U.S.  He has been with CoBank for 15 years holding positions in credit and relationship management prior to his current managerial role.  Brett leads a team of relationship managers supporting CoBank’s cooperative and purchase participation portfolios.  He holds a Bachelors in Agribusiness from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and a Masters in Agribusiness from Texas A&M University.

 

Renee Avilla, Credit Director at CoBank

Renee Avilla is a Credit Director at CoBank, covering the Western US and the Northeast states for the Regional Agribusiness portfolio.  She has worked in various credit roles at CoBank for 20 years, and now leads the Credit Underwriting team.  Renee and her team support portfolio credit management, underwriting, analysis and servicing of CoBank’s cooperative and purchased participation loans.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, Concentration in Finance and Appraisal, from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

 

John Park, Roy B. Davis Professor of Agricultural Cooperation, Texas A&M University

Dr. John Park is a professor and extension specialist in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M University, where he also holds the Roy B. Davis Professorship in Agricultural Cooperation. A faculty member since 2000, Dr. Park earned his PhD from Texas A&M in 1996. Known for his dynamic teaching and ability to connect real-world applications with academic concepts, he has received national awards for teaching excellence from the Western and Southern Agricultural Economic Associations, as well as recognition from the Association of Former Students at Texas A&M. A leader in food marketing and agribusiness, Dr. Park has served in multiple roles within the Food Distribution Research Society, including president and board member, earning both the Patrick J. Byrne Award for Emerging Leadership and the Frank Panyko Award for Distinguished Service. Since 2003, he has been a director of the Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council (TACC), receiving its Distinguished Service Award for his contributions, including establishing an internship program to connect students with careers in the cooperative industry.

 

Tricia Geringer, Director of Government Affairs of Ag Council of California

Tricia Geringer joined Ag Council as Director of Government Affairs in 2010 and advocates at the state Capitol on behalf of Ag Council’s members on legislative policy issues that affect them.  Previously, she worked as Legislative Director for a member of Congress in Washington, D.C. focusing on agriculture, energy, immigration, trade and water policy. Tricia also worked in San Diego as Director of Public Policy and Development for CONNECT, which is a nonprofit that helps entrepreneurs launch companies. She was raised on a farm in Fresno where her family grows wine grapes and raisin grapes.  Tricia holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from California State University, Fresno, a master's degree in public policy from George Mason University, and she earned her law degree from Thomas Jefferson University in San Diego. Tricia is a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, Class 43.  She is a 2011 graduate of Leadership Sacramento, which is a leadership development program created by the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce. 

 

Robby Walker – Tax Principal at Clifton Larson Allen

Robby Walker is a tax principal at CLA’s Sacramento office with 20 years of experience serving California clients in agriculture, cooperatives, and food and beverage industries. With over 130 locations in the U.S., including fourteen in California, CLA creates opportunities through industry-focused audit, tax, outsourcing, digital, consulting, and wealth advisory services.  As CLA’s national agribusiness and cooperatives industry leader, he provides tax and consulting services to cooperatives and members. Robby holds a CPA designation and helps clients navigate complex regulations, optimize financial performance, and achieve strategic goals. His deep understanding of cooperative structures and agricultural operations has earned him a reputation for delivering insightful and actionable advice. Robby is a frequent speaker, contributing to thought leadership in the cooperative and agricultural sectors. He has presented at numerous conferences and seminars, sharing his expertise on topics ranging from fiscal management to governance and compliance. Robby's commitment to excellence and passion for supporting these communities make him an invaluable resource in advancing their financial stability and long-term success. 

 

Melanie LaPerriere – President/CEO for Cherry Central Cooperative

Melanie La Perriere graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, earning a BSBA in Marketing with an emphasis on Psychology, and pursued MBA studies at California State University–Sacramento. Their career began at Procter & Gamble, where roles included Sales Representative, Unit Manager in the Food Division, and leading a high-performance team supporting West Coast sales. Transitioning to agriculture, she spent 12 years at Blue Diamond Growers, implementing an ERP system, restructuring the organization, and supporting the Blue Diamond brand's growth as Marketing Operations Manager. Subsequently, they joined MBG Marketing, a blueberry cooperative, where they created Naturipe Foods, partnering with Munger Farms and Hortifrut SA, eventually becoming Vice President of Sales. 

In May 2019, Melanie became President/CEO of Cherry Central Cooperative in Traverse City, Michigan, overseeing grower-owner operations producing various fruit products. Currently, they reside in Saugatuck and Traverse City, Michigan, while considering Northern California home.

 

Laura Gerhard – VP of Blue Diamond’s Global Ingredients and International Branded businesses.

Laura Gerhard is the Vice President of Blue Diamond’s Global Ingredients and International Branded businesses. Laura leads the day-to-day operations providing strategic leadership for the world’s largest processor and marker of almonds, overseeing international market expansion and driving innovation ingredient expertise. She is responsible for accelerating growth across the product portfolio, which includes Blue Diamond branded products and a growing array of almond-based ingredients such as almond protein powder, almond butter, and flavored almonds. Laura began her career with Blue Diamond Growers in 2017 as Director, Strategy and Planning with Global Ingredients where she has driven business growth, developed a strong team and organized strategic planning. In 2020 Laura's role was expanded as she assumed responsibility for Global Ingredient Division Marketing. Laura was promoted to lead the Global Ingredient Division in 2021. Laura has worked in food and agriculture for over 25 years. Prior to her tenure at Blue Diamond, Laura held various leadership positions at Cargill where she gained rich experience in global commodity trading, demonstrated a commitment to product innovation, customer development, and strategic planning. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Finance from Saint Olaf College and a master’s degree in Agribusiness from Kansas State University. Laura is also actively engaged on industry committees and boards, further showcasing her dedication to advancing the agriculture and food sectors. 

 

Rich Hudgins – President and Chief Executive Officer of the CA Canning Peach Association.

Rich Hudgins is President and CEO of the California Canning Peach Association, a grower-owned cooperative representing nearly 75% of California's cling peach production. Joining the Association in 1981, he held roles including Director of Administrative Services and Chief Operating Officer before becoming President in 2002. His responsibilities include marketing grower tonnage, negotiating prices, and addressing industry issues impacting cling peach growers. A 1980 graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with a BS in Agricultural Management, Hudgins serves on the USDA/USTR Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee, advising on U.S. trade policy. He is an advocate for USDA child nutrition programs and California specialty crop growers. Hudgins also leads the Canning Peach Mechanization Research Fund and serves on the boards of the Agricultural Council of California and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC). He previously chaired NCFC’s Government Affairs Committee and now heads its Fruit, Vegetable & Nut Subcommittee.

Be a Sponsor

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Become a Sponsor

2025 Agricultural Cooperatives Leadership Conference!

 

We're thrilled to announce that the Agricultural Cooperatives Leadership Conference will take place in Sacramento on February 6-7, 2025 at the Embassy Suites Riverfront in Sacramento, CA.

Convened by non-profit California Center for Cooperative Development (CCCD), the conference features expert-led sessions aimed at enhancing cooperative business skills while addressing key issues impacting California ag cooperatives, including regulatory, financial, and market trends. 

We invite you to sponsor the only statewide conference that brings together leaders and directors of agricultural cooperatives to connect, collaborate, and exchange valuable insights. Your sponsorship provides a unique opportunity for your organization to engage with a key target audience while demonstrating your strong commitment to the growth and success of agricultural cooperatives in California.

Your support will:

  • Solidify your company as an innovative supporter of agricultural cooperative enterprises
  • Allow for networking and communication directly with clientele in an engaging atmosphere
  • Impact your community by promoting a business model that embodies triple bottom line economics

 

Many Thanks to Our Conference Sponsors!