SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 15, 2007– The Western Plant Health Association has elected new board members and officers for 2008. The organization also presented service awards to a few of its members during its annual meeting held Oct. 7-9 in Tucson, Ariz.

WPHA represents the crop protection and fertilizer manufacturers, biotechnology providers, and agricultural retailers in California, Arizona, and Hawaii.

WPHA officers elected included Kent Johnson, pictured at right, of Ag Production Company in Turlock as chairperson; Barry Powell of CALAMCO was elected vice chair; Brian Lish of BASF Corp. as secretary/treasurer; and Barbara LeVake of Trical, Bill Hume of Dupont and Steve Gillette of PotashCorp sales as executive committee members.

“My goal is to continue to support the vibrant and progressive agricultural industry in the West which helps feed the growing needs of the world,” Johnson said after his election.

During the meeting, the following individuals were newly elected to three-year terms on the WPHA board of directors: Franco Campana of Monsanto; Ron Naven of Yara North America, Inc.; Mosby Blanks, Helena Chemical Co.; Susan Ricketts of Butte County Rice Growers Association; Ray Maul of Kerman Ag Resources; and Dave Dufault of J.R. Simplot Co.

Each year at its annual meeting WPHA presents awards to individuals who demonstrated outstanding service to the industry and association. This year’s Integrity Award went to Ralph Iliff of NH3 Service Co., Salinas; the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award went to Bill Miller, formerly of Wilbur-Ellis Co.; and the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award went to Bob Smith of CALAMCO.