Stanger To Be Honored At IGSA Convention

John Stanger, of Idaho Falls, ID, a long-time recognized expert in potato marketing and shipping, will be honored at the 77th Annual Idaho Grower Shippers Convention August 30-September 3 in Sun Valley, ID.

Stanger, who started out in his father's fresh potato packing warehouse cleaning used burlap sacks, running a 10-head consumer bagger, hand-sewing 100-pound burlap bags, and stacking these onto a hand truck, has been an Idaho potato figure for over 45 years.

He will be presented with the Russet Aristocrat award by his peers at the annual  banquet set for 7 p.m. Friday, September 2, in the Limelight Room of the Sun Valley Inn.

After Stanger attended the Univeristy of Idaho and graduated from Brighamn Young University fully committed to not going into the potato fresh pack industry, he has found out that this lifetime work has given him the greatest challenges, experiences, opportunties and joy that he could have known.

His wife, Marsha, and three children, Kevin, Tammy and Laurie, are expected to be on hand when the award is presented by David Smith, executive director of the Idaho Grower Shipper Association and Shawn Walters, president.

Stanger's latest of  many  industry positions over the years started in 1996 when he left the J.R. Simplot Co., fresh-pack plant in Idaho Falls, and established ProFresh LLC. He is still involved there, serving as administrative director. ProFresh has the exclusive marketing rights for all potatoes and onions packed under the Dole label.