The National Potato Research and Education Foundation announced today a change in management and a move from its longtime Denver location to McLean, VA.
Effective February 1, the Foundation entered into a management agreement with Association Management Group Inc., a nationally recognized association management firm.
John Ganoe is the Foundation's Executive Director; Project Manager, Monty Cox, will handle daily operations and specially projects.
Alan R. "Bud" Middaugh, a widely respected figure in the industry and the group's former executive director, will remain active with the organization as a senior consultant.
Tom Ford of Alamosa, CO, an industry leader and current chairman of the Foundation's Board of Trustees, says, "One of the exciting things about our new management relationship with AMG is that it gives us an opportunity--and the added resources--to raise the Foundation to a new level of activity and respect within our industry. The Foundation is a perfect vehicle to expand research and education in the potato industry."
As the host body for the World Potato Congress in 2006, the Foundation has a world class opportunity to showcase the U.S. industry. The Foundation has two current initiatives at the top of its agenda. The first, a nationwide joint US/UK stem-count technology-transfer project, will kick off this May.
"Participation in the project, conducted jointly with the UK's Cambridge University Farm, is open to all U.S. growers. The Foundation believes the technology transfer project has the potential to generate significant long-term benefits for the U.S. potato industry."
Also, the Foundation is host for the Sixth World Potato Congress, August 20-26, 2006, in Boise, ID. The Congress will include a technology exposition and working farm show. The Congress, held this year in Kunming, China, has never been hosted in the United States. The 2006 event represents an extraordinary opportunity to enhance the position of the industry in the international marketplace.
Ganoe brings extensive experience in non-profit management to his role. He has held positions as an executive with trade and professional associaitons. He holds a Masters degree in communications from Purdue University and an under graduate degree from Washington, DC's American University.
Cox comes with a diverse professional background. He has served in managerial roles with a regional educational publishing company, as well as nationally recognized advertising agency. He is a graduate of Indiana University.
Contact
www.potatofoundation.com for additional information.