Idaho Potato Commission Appoints New Commissioners

Hardy and Blanksma to Serve Three-Year Terms; Christensen Reappointed

Eagle, ID. September 15, 2014 – The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) announced the recent appointment of two new Commissioners who will each serve three-year terms. Randy Hardy, from Hardy Farms in Oakley, and Nick Blanksma, a grower residing in Hammett, will be formally sworn in at the IPC’s October meeting. Mike Christensen of Melba, who has already served one term on the IPC, will also be sworn in for another term. The Commissioners were nominated by industry peers and selected by Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter.

The nine Idaho® potato commissioners - representing growers, processors, and shippers - donate a significant amount of their time to promote and preserve one of the most recognized and respected brands in the world, the Idaho® potato.

“Randy and Nick are well-respected leaders in the industry and Mike has provided tremendous support and insight during his first term,” said Frank Muir, President & CEO, IPC. “I look forward to working with these gentlemen and the other six Commissioners in this new fiscal year.”

Randy Hardy has held positions with several other industry organizations. He is currently the president of the National Potato Council and has served on the United States Potato Board in many capacities including Chairman in 2006-2007. Nick Blanksma is the youngest person to ever serve as a Commissioner. He is a fourth-generation potato farmer and is eager to jump into this leadership position.

The six other Commissioners representing the Idaho® potato growers, shippers and processors are:
• Boyd Foster, Vista Valley Ag, Inc. & Foster Co.
• Dan Nakamura, Idahoan
• Lynn Wilcox, Wlicox, Floyd & Sons
• Ritchey Toevs, Toevs Farm
• Peggy Grover, BenchMark Potato
• Tommy Brown, Lamb Weston

Boyd Foster will serve as Chairman and Dan Nakamura will serve as Vice-Chairman of the IPC during this fiscal year.

About the Idaho Potato Commission
Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency that is responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal, a federally registered certification mark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho's growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation and rich volcanic soil, give Idaho Potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance, that differentiates Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states.

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