The volunteer appointees will serve terms through December 2024, playing an important role in enhancing Michigan’s blueberry industry.
Date Posted: August 5, 2022
Michigan Farm Bureau
Michigan’s county Farm Bureau members Jason Thomas (Van Buren) and David Reenders (Ottawa) were recently appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Blueberry Commission. The appointees are subject to Senate approval and will serve a term through December 31, 2024.
“These volunteers serve an important role in improving the economic position and competitiveness of the blueberry sector,” said Nancy Nyquist, executive director of the Michigan Blueberry Commission.
“They do this by guiding the planning and implementation of research, education and promotion programs funded by the checkoff program.”
- Van Buren County Farm Bureau member Jason Thomas, of Grand Junction, is a 4th generation farmer and owner of Thomas Blueberries Incorporated. Thomas is appointed to represent District 2 growers and succeeds fellow Van Buren County Farm Bureau member Cheryl Sullins whose term expired December 31, 2021.
- Ottawa County Farm Bureau member David Reenders, of Grand Haven, is the owner and president of Crossroads Blueberry Farm and is appointed to represent District 1 growers. He succeeds Van Buren County Farm Bureau member Shelly Hartman whose term expired December 31, 2021.
- Eric Jawor, of Muskegon, is a partner owner of Jawor Brothers Blueberries and is reappointed to represent District 1 growers.
Other commission members serving active terms through December 2022 include:
- Carley Parsley, Bloomingdale, Van Buren County Farm Bureau
- Robert Bodtke, South Haven, Van Buren County Farm Bureau
- Creela Hamlin, South Haven, Allegan County Farm Bureau
- Dennis Vander Kooi, Allegan, Allegan County Farm Bureau