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Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments, Reappointments

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 , 2019 March 8

  

Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments, Reappointments 

  

– Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today announced the following appointments to the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission and Water Use Advisory Council. LANSING, Mich.

  

 Michigan Tree Fruit Commission

 Travis Bratschi of Williamsburg, is a financial services officer with GreenStone Farm Credit Services and owns a small apple and cherry farm.  Mr. Bratschi has been appointed to succeed Mark Miezio to represent District 1 fruit growers for a term expiring March 1, 2022.

  

 James Engelsma II of Walker, is the president of J. Engelsma Orchard, Inc. and location manager of Nutrien Ag Solutions.  Mr. Engelsma is reappointed to represent District 2 fruit growers for a term expiring March 1, 2022.

  

 Michael R. VanAgtmael of Hart, is the president of VanAgtmael & Son Inc.  Mr. VanAgtmael is reappointed to represent District 2 fruit growers for a term expiring March 1, 2022.

  

 The Michigan Tree Fruit Commission is a board that aims to improve the economic position of Michigan tree fruit growers by creating greater marketing opportunities.  This is done by performing market research, disseminating market information, and expanding markets for tree fruit.

  

 are subject to advice and consent of the Senate.The appointments

  

 Water Use Advisory Council

 Michael Gallagher of Richland, is the president of the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association.  Mr. Gallagher is appointed to succeed William Scott Brown to represent Statewide Riparian Landowners Association for a term expiring February 26, 2023.

  

 David Hamilton of Haslett, is the senior policy director for The Nature Conservancy.  Mr. Hamilton is appointed to represent Statewide Conservation Organizations for a term expiring February 26, 2023.

  

 James Nicholas of Mason, owns and operates Nicholas-h2o.  Mr. Nicholas is appointed to represent professional hydrologists and hydrogeologists, as defined in section 32706c, with hydrogeology field experience for a term expiring February 26, 2023.

  

  is reappointed to represent Indian tribes for a term expiring February 26, 2023.Ettawageshik of Harbor Springs, is the executive director of the United Tribes of Michigan.  Mr. EttawageshikFrank

  

 Patrick Staskiewicz of Grand Haven, is the director of public utilities with the Ottawa County Road Commission.  Mr. Staskiewicz is reappointed to represent municipal water suppliers for a term expiring February 26, 2023.

  

 The Water Use Advisory Council advises the Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on the State’s Water Use Program, which includes the following major elements: Great Lakes Compact; water withdrawal; and water use conflict.

  

 These appointments are not subject to advice and consent of the Senate.

  

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