b'The Pacific Seed Association Together Again After Two YearsWhile COVID prevented in-person meetings, associations join together again.Alex MartinAFTER TWO LONGyears of virtual meetings, the PacificKey Highlights of the ConferenceSeed Associations (PSA) Annual Convention was held inAt the annual conference, PSA announced an award and new person in Waikoloa, Hawaii, for the first time since 2020.board members.From a financial position for the association it was importantFirst, PSA announced the 2021 Person of the Year: Joe to uphold our commitment to meet in person. From an asso- Baglietto of Baglietto Seeds. He was born June 15, 1959, in ciation and my personal position, the connections you makeStockton, Cali., and was exposed to farming and the seed in-person are vital to continuing to learn business and life lessonsindustry at a very young age. He has been an active member in from others during the time together, says Mindy Duerst, com- the PSA for many years; he began coming to meetings with his munication chair for PSA. I have always valued the PSA becausefather early in his career. Baglietto eventually served as a board of the diverse group of seed industry members in different areas.member for the PSA which began in 2006 and unsurprisingly Areas meaning seed types that they specialize in, business loca- found himself in the role of president of the organization in 2013. tions, ages and experiences. The membership has been a veryThe new officers for 2022 are:connected, friendly group and very supportive of each other. Nicole Hostert, California Crop Improvement Association: For Donna Boggs, associate director of PSA, giving eve- Presidentryone the ability to connect in person and network again wasGrant Baglietto, Baglietto Seeds: First viceinvaluable. Not only that, but they were able to finally give thatpresidentin-person speaker experience with key takeaways to help theirMindy Duerst, Ioka Marketing: Second vicemembers. presidentA few of our takeaways are that advocacy for the seed Amy Jenness, Rainier Seeds: Secretary/treasurerindustry and agriculture is so important to the future of ag, sheCarolyn Lockwood, Interstate Seed: Past presidentsays. Making sure the right information about the seed industryAnd the new directors are:is being communicated with our regulatory agencies is a critical Dean Browning, Seeds, Inc.part of that.Karen Krych, Clearwater SeedIn addition, ensuring strategic partnerships with other seed Bill Merrigan, Blue Mt. Seeds, Inc.organizations and bringing younger employees to events is Michael Rascon, Bailey Seed & Grain and Corvallis Seed important as well to keep the association thriving.ServicesI have always believed in being a lifetime learner, saysAnnelisa Zander, Berger InternationalDuerst. But in my experience, the personal connections youAs the year continues, both Duerst and Boggs are looking form with people are much deeper when done in person. Weforward to putting together the next in person annual convention.agreed we learned a lot over the past two years, but now weStay tuned for more news about the 2023 PSA annual confer-see how we can apply those lessons in a hybrid model to getence.SWthe best of both worlds.8/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2022'