News Release

PGI seeking women in leadership

BLACKFOOT, ID — Women from PGI met at the West Coast Pocatello Hotel on Thursday, November 28, 2001. The theme of the meeting was women's involvement in the potato industry. Emma Atchley from Atchley seed farms in Ashton, who specializes in growing pre-nuclear seed sold throughout the U.S., reminded women that they were capable of their own decision making process and to trust themselves, their knowledge and abilities. She emphasized the importance of critical thinking skills and independent decision making.

Tim O’Connor, President of the National Potato Promotion Board noted the contribution of women to the NPPB. He stated two of the last three chairman of the NPPB have been women. He said Helen Masser from Pennsylvania and Christine Anthony from Wisconsin had both given outstanding service to the board. He urged women to become involved at whatever level and way fit their own personal circumstances.

Paula Parks, NPPB board member, observed that most of the farm women she new were multi-talented. She said she sees farm women drive trucks, organize and run crews, keep books, market crops, and raise children. The myriad’s of tasks they perform make contributions not only to the family but the farm business as well.

Paula urged women to acknowledge their strengths and use them by serving in the potato industry. She said women are the consumers the people buying the product. They create the market and should have representation in the industry. She expressed appreciation to PGI Executive Director Keith Esplin for his “woman friendly” attitude and encouragement to be involved. Caryn Esplin added that, “PGI could benefit from the organizational skills and energy that many women could offer.”

New PGI President Klaren Koompin said, “PGI will actively seek women farm managing partners input in its revision process. Qualified women will be sought to serve on executive and state board positions throughout the state of Idaho.”

Klaren stated, “I have served under two women chairwomen on the NPPB board, Helen Masser and Christine Anthony and also with Deann Amstead of Washington as vice president of international marketing. All have shown an amazing grasp of the industry and a commanding vision of the future.”