March 31, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2011
Contact: Sara Wurfel
(517) 335-6397
wurfels@michigan.gov
LANSING, MI - Governor Rick Snyder today announced appointments to the Michigan Apple Committee and the Bean Commission.
“Agriculture is one of the bright spots of Michigan’s economy,” Snyder said. “I look forward to working with the leaders of the agriculture industry to ensure continued job growth.”
This committee is dedicated to improving the profitability of Michigan’s fresh and processed apple industries.
Damon Glei is appointed; Gary Bartley and Kevin Winkel are reappointed.
Glei, of Hillsdale, is the manager and partial-owner of Glei’s Inc., a year-round farm market with 370 acres offering homegrown apples, Christmas trees, fresh made cider, summer vegetables and florist flowers. He replaces Mike Beck and represents District 7 growers.
Bartley, of Dowagiac, is the owner of Bartley Farms, farming 414 acres of apples and fresh vegetables. Approximately 75 percent of his apple crop is marketed as fresh and packaged in his packing house. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Valparaiso University. He represents District 1growers.
Winkel, of Lawrence, is the owner of Winkel Orchards, farming 149 acres of apples and tart cherries. He is also the owner of Forevermore Praise Music Publishing Co. and Orchardview Studio. Winkel earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture/pomology from Michigan State University. He represents District 2 growers.
Appointees serve three-year terms expiring on April 1, 2014, and are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan is a top producer of dry, edible beans. The objective of the commission is to research and promote Michigan’s bean crops.
Fran Arobgast-Carlson, John Densmore, Jack Frank and Ross Voelker are reappointed.
Arbogast-Carlson, of Howard City, is a partner of Carlson-Arbogast Farm. She served on the Michigan Centennial Farm Association and the U.S. Dry Bean Council. Arbogast-Carlson earned a bachelor’s degree in human nutrition from Michigan State University and completed a dietetic internship at Henry Ford hospital. She represents District 7 growers.
Densmore, of Ithaca, is owner of Densmore Farms and has been farming for 48 years. The farm has 970 acres of sugar beets, corn, soy, wheat and dry beans. He has served as the director and chairman of the Gratiot County Conservation District. He represents District 2 growers.
Frank, of Bay City, is president of Frank Farms Inc. and is a third generation family farmer. He has been farming for 49 years with 1165 acres of corn, soy beans, sugar beets and wheat. He serves as the vice-chairman of the Monitor Township Planning Commission. He represents District 1 growers.
Voelker, of Pigeon, is president of Greenfield Farm Inc. He has been farming for 28 years with 1900 acres of corn, dry beans, wheat and sugar beets. Voelker previously served on the Michigan Edible Bean Cooperative, Innovative Farmers of Michigan and Farm Bureau. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Michigan State University. He represents District 6 growers.
Appointees serve three-year terms expiring on Dec. 31, 2013, and are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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