It’s a bittersweet thing to say goodbye to a co-worker, particularly one who has contributed to your organization for years. You hate to lose the experience and institutional knowledge but, at the same time, wish them well on a new adventure they’ve well earned.

That’s the case with Good Fruit Grower advertising sales representative Rick Larsen, who retired at the end of December after more than 13 years with the magazine. Along with sales manager Doug Button, Rick has worked to ensure the magazine features the products and services relevant and necessary to growers to be successful.

He came to Good Fruit Grower with a graphic design background — one we leaned on to help companies “see” their ad before it had even been built. And he came from an ag background, with fond memories as a child of riding along with his dad, who delivered water to growers on Central Washington’s Wapato Irrigation Project.

He left with mixed emotions.

“I’ve enjoyed the job and the people. My relationships with clients are important to me,” he said. “Being associated with a positive organization that works with an industry that helps to feed the world is and has been worthwhile.”

Rick will be missed, but here’s hoping he experiences more adventures in retirement in the years ahead!

We’re also grateful to know we have the people in place to ensure we don’t miss a step.

Germaine Newstead will be moving into Rick’s role in advertising sales. Germaine has been working as the advertising sales coordinator since starting with the magazine in July, with responsibilities that include coordinating the Buyers’ Guide, classified ads and Good Deals. A native of Bakersfield, California, she earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from California State University, Fresno, and has experience in sales, including fruit sales, and customer service.

“I’m delighted with this new opportunity, and I’m looking forward to helping our clients and growers to be successful together,” she said.

Meanwhile, Julie Sears moved into the role of advertising sales coordinator in early December. Julie is a Yakima, Washington, native whose grandparents worked in the tree fruit industry, both in the orchard and the warehouse. She previously served as the director of sales and marketing for Best Western, working there almost 11 years.

Welcome, Julie!

—by Shannon Dininny