The California Table Grape Commission held a reception on Jan. 26, 2012, honoring Michael Bozick for his 39 years of service to the table grape industry as a board commissioner. Held in Coachella Valley, the event included presentations and a plaque from the commission, a proclamation from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, a California legislative resolution, and a congratulatory letter from California Gov. Jerry Brown. Mike’s service to the commission was also recognized by his congressional representative, who read a congratulatory statement into the congressional record detailing his many contributions to the citizens of the Coachella Valley. Numerous commissioners and members of the industry gathered to recognize Mr. Bozick.

“Mike has dedicated himself to building a thriving California table grape industry,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the commission. “He has been instrumental in shaping agricultural policies, managing complex industry issues and increasing demand for California table grapes. During his time of leadership with the commission, production of California table grapes has increased from around 20 million boxes to nearly 100 million boxes shipped to over 60 countries around the world.”

While Mr. Bozick started his professional life in the industrial engineering department of TRW Automotive, he entered into the table grape industry in 1966, when he took a leave of absence to help his mother-in-law with Richard Bagdasarian Inc., a grower, shipper and marketer of California table grapes, citrus and vegetables. His passion for the grape industry was ignited, and he was first nominated by his District One peers in 1972 to serve on one of the early boards of the California Table Grape Commission. He was then re-nominated and re-appointed every three years since that time, serving longer than any other commissioner in the history of the board.

“Mike’s contribution to the California table grape industry will continue to be felt as we move into the future,” said Nave.