In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” host Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), is joined by Gunnar Avinelis, CEO of AgriCare, to discuss the firm’s creative approach to employee engagement and what it could mean for the larger agriculture industry. 

“[By choosing an employee stock ownership plan structure], we would not only preserve a legacy, but build a new legacy, and build companies that last far beyond what our families can be and do. …We want what we’re doing to last for a long time and to grow with new ideas.” - Gunnar Avinelis

“Never has hearing what’s important to our employees and creating a better work environment been more essential than it is now, and for many companies, we have to look at more than just paying people more, because that’s not always an option in lean times.”  - Gunnar Avinelis

Topics covered include:

• Avinelis’ background in the blueberry industry.
• Overview of AgriCare’s function in the produce industry as a full-service management business. 
• How AgriCare arrived at its employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) structure and how it helps alleviate labor challenges. 
• Mechanics of an ESOP and how employees engage with the company as a result. 

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout North and South America. In this episode, you’ll hear from Luis Vegas in Peru and Mario Rameriez in Mexico. This was recorded on December 15, 2021.

Marketing Boost

USHBC has launched the first-ever blueberry Alexa Skill! In this week’s Marketing Boost, USHBC/NABC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Sparks discusses this amazing new feature and details how your consumers, community, and partners can grab a boost of blue with A Blueberry Boost! And don’t forget to check out our Alexa Skill: A Blueberry Boost Toolkit.