During the early cherry season, West Mathison, ­president of Stemilt Growers, Inc., Wenatchee, Washington, spends about half his time at the company’s California plant, where he sees plenty of familiar faces. As the Pacific Northwest apple and pear packing season begins to wind down in the spring, the company sends a team of about 30 people, including forklift drivers, mechanics, and shipping managers from Wenatchee to work at its cherry-packing facility near Stockton, ­California, until the Northwest cherry season begins. That way, they experience two cherry seasons each year. “Every cherry season is a learning opportunity, so our team gets […]