Jan 22, 2014

Ben Kudwa joins Michigan Vegetable Council

Ben Kudwa has accepted a part-time position with the Michigan Vegetable Council (MVC). He is the director of external relations, a new position recently created by MVC’s board of directors.

As director of external relations, Kudwa – who recently retired after 27 years as executive director of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission – will represent MVC at industry, government and university meetings and planning sessions. He also will help develop MVC’s positions on important issues.

“My career with agricultural groups has allowed me to build relationships, and there is no better group to share those relationships with than the MVC,” Kudwa said. “I very much appreciate this opportunity and look forward to working with the council and Dave Smith.”

Smith, MVC’s executive director, said “Ben brings a wealth of experience on industry issues and is well connected with key leaders in industry, government and at Michigan State University.”

Kudwa’s new position was created because MVC is at a “critical juncture,” said Ralph Oomen, MVC’s president.

“We just completed our 2013 Great Lakes Fruit and Vegetable EXPO with record attendance of over 4,200 people, 430 vendors and three days filled with educational sessions,” Oomen said. “Dave Smith has needed to commit an increasing amount of his time to EXPO planning activities. With the addition of Ben to the council’s staff, we have created a structure to allow Dave to focus more of his time on the EXPO and management of the MVC. Ben will cover external relations for the council. This is an opportunity to focus on industry issues and the EXPO at the same time.”

“I am excited by the opportunity to merge the talents of Ben Kudwa and Dave Smith,” said Joe Pirrone, MVC’s vice president. “Together they will create a synergy that will be of great value to the MVC down the road.”

Kudwa will begin work immediately, and can be reached here, or at 517-331-6341.

– Matt Milkovich