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Snyder makes appointment, reappointments to Michigan Cherry Committee

Monday, Nov. 24, 2014

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of David Smeltzer, of Bear Lake, and the reappointments of Paul Hubbell, of Williamsburg, and Andrew Riley, of Mears, to the Michigan Cherry Committee.

The nine-member committee was established in 1965 and develops and implements marketing efforts for Michigan's cherry industry.

"The cherry industry is an integral part of Michigan’s economy and I appreciate these appointees willingness to serve,” said Snyder.

Smeltzer is a member of West Wind Orchards LLC, a fourth generation apple and cherry farm, which also has an apple storage and asparagus packing facility. He farms 150 acres of cherries and apples. He is a lifelong cherry farmer with experience in research and development. Smeltzer continues to represent District 1 tart cherry growers.

Hubbell is the owner of Orchard View Farms. Hubbell serves as president of the Grand Traverse Fruit Growers Council, president of Traverse Bay Cherry Co-op of Sweet Cherries, and on the National Cherry Growers and Industries Foundation. He continues to represent District 1 sweet cherry growers.

Riley is the manager of Riley Orchards, where he farms 800 acres of sweet and tart cherries, asparagus, apples, and peaches. He will continue to represent District 2 sweet cherry growers.

Appointees will serve three-year terms to expire Feb. 1, 2017. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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