Washington Apple Commission: Carlson on paid leave

From the offices of the Washington Apple Commission on July 29:

Washington Apple Commission President Placed on Leave
Wenatchee, WA…The current President of the Washington Apple Commission, Dave Carlson, is going on paid administrative leave as of September 1, 2008, by action of the Board of Directors at a board meeting on July 24. Citing the need to go in “a different direction” the board voted in an 8-1 decision to place Carlson, who has been President since the reorganization of the Commission in 2003, on indefinite leave. The Wenatchee, Washington-based Commission focuses on export promotions in over 30 international markets and will receive $4.8 million in federal marketing access promotion funds for the 08-09 season. Also in the meeting the board estimated the upcoming 08-09 crop at 98.3 million bushel boxes and passed a budget based on a 96 million box crop. In addition to federal funds, Cmmission activities are supported by a $.035/bushel box assessment.

TK: The Packer will develop this story further. Find coverage of this from The Wenatchee World here.