Chat with Katy Blowers

Katy Blowers is a marketing specialist for Church Brothers Produce Company in Salinas and a member of United's Leadership Class. She graciously took time this morning for a Fresh Talk "chat."

10:52 AM me: Great. Thanks for taking time for another Fresh Talk chat

katy.blowers: Thanks for asking me!

me: Did I read your bio right that you grew up in the Salinas Valley? Were either of your parents connected to the industry?

10:54 AM katy.blowers: I was born and raised in the Salinas Valley. My mom is actually the Executive Director for Monterey County Ag Education.

My Dad was not directly involved with Ag but serviced many of the local companies through his car dealership, Richardson Chevrolet

So one way or another I have been exposed to the industry all my life

10:55 AM It is defientley the center of our world here in the Salinas Valley

10:56 AM me: Knowing the area so well, you probably realized the opportunities in ag.. did you have a plan in mind when you went to Cal Poly that you would like to be in the industry?

10:58 AM katy.blowers: Absolutely. I grew up knowing that some way I would be involved in the industry so vital not only to our community, but to our state and our country. I was involved in industry affiliated organizations growing up and that helped me figure to what areas were my strong suits.

I really enjoy the communications and public relations side of the industry, sharing and exposing people to things they may not have learned otherwise.

10:59 AM That is what directed me to the Marketing concentration at Cal Poly.

11:00 AM It is a great way to work in this time sensitive and very relevant industry, but still maintain a creative outlet

me: It s seems everyone in the industry is trying to get their arms around the food safety issue. In your position, do you see that as the central question the industry is dealing with relating to consumers?

11:04 AM katy.blowers: The current food safety issues have really brought our industry to the forefront of consumers minds. Questions that would have never crossed most typical consumers minds are now prevalent concerns. This is increasingly fueled by the media. It is our job, as the produce industry, to regain the confidence of consumers and our nation, in the products we provide them.

We have to get away from the media frenzy and get back to the roots of what we are doing.

11:05 AM Food Safety has always been an important issue for anyone in the industry.

We have to show the world what we do behind the scenes to protect them, and how we are continually upgrading our systems as the industry changes.

me: Good thoughts.. I know you are new member of United's Leadership Class - what have you enjoyed about the program so far?

11:09 AM katy.blowers: I have nothing but fabulous things to say about the United Leadership Program! I am so honored to have been selected to be a part of it! The opportunity there is incredible. What stands out to me the most is the opportunity to learn not only from the sessions and tours, but from my amazing group of classmates. You have 12 people from different aspects of the industry and different parts of the country, who have all come together. We all look at the same things, but with different perspectives -that is a huge eye opener and learning experience in itself.

11:10 AM I really think that being well rounded and exposed to all the pieces of what makes our industry work is key to the success of our industry and our future leaders.

This program provides that.

11:11 AM me: There is definitely something about being in a group like that makes the time investment worthwhile.... Just a couple of more questions cause I know you have to get somewhere. What do you like to do in your "down time" and what would be a good local restaurant to check out next time we are in the Salinas Valley?

11:13 AM katy.blowers: I make sure I keep myself busy.....In my spare time I am a member of the California Rodeo marketing committee ( a former Miss Ca Rodeo in fact!), CWA, Young Farmers and ranchers, the Junior League of Monterey County, and I run, take Pilates and Kick Boxing.

11:14 AM I also volunteer for Monterey County Ag Education and their 3 Farm Days.

11:15 AM And as far as a restaurant, my all time favorite is Shogun (if you like Sushi!) My husband, James, and I eat there every single Friday night.

Best sushi in town

Sapporro on the Wharf is also good

11:16 AM me: Katy. you've been generous with your time and you are a fast typist as well. Thanks for the chat and we look forward to having you back on Fresh Talk anytime you like

katy.blowers: Thanks Tom, I enjoyed it! I get excited and have a lot to say...hopefully I got it all out in a way you could use!

11:17 AM Anytime you need me to contribute I will be more than happy to do so!

me: Great..thanks again

katy.blowers: No problem. Have a great weekend!