The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival named Stemilt Growers President and CEO West Mathison its 2024 Apple Citizen of the Year Award winner.
The festival recognizes leaders in the apple industry who contribute to improving the state’s tree fruit industry, according to a news release.
“For me, it’s really about celebrating the legacy of my grandfather, Tom. He and my grandmother packed a few hundred boxes of cherries on Stemilt Hill years ago, and this year, we’ll have over 20 million boxes of fruit all over the world,” Mathison said in the release. “It’s really a testament to this community to support not only Stemilt, but other leaders and growers of the fruit industry.”
During Mathison’s tenure, Stemilt has expanded its footprint in conventional and organic growing and has focused on “cultivating people and delighting consumers through excellence with world-famous fruit,” the release said.
The packer, grower and distributor of pears, apples and stone fruit noted that it recently celebrated its 60th anniversary; the company has opened commercial buildings in the Olds Station area of Wenatchee, Wash., Stemilt’s new headquarters, a Fresh Cube distribution center and a soon-to-be-opened pear packing facility.
“Without a doubt, we’re so blessed with amazing people at Stemilt and the industry who works hard to pick our crops diligently for quality keeping Wenatchee a competitive place where we can grow fruit,” Mathison said.
Stemilt has long-term marketing partnerships with Douglas Fruit and Hansen Fruit, the release said. The company said it also partnered with Confluence Health to offer all employees and their dependents access to a free, on-site health clinic.
Stemilt also supports the Washington Apple Education Foundation, including a full-ride scholarship in honor of Tom Mathison.
“It’s truly an honor and a blessing to receive such an award and I look to my family and Stemilt to thank,” West Mathison said. “I’m grateful we’re able to continue on a legacy of innovation and freshness.”
