Big Idaho Potato Harvest Meeting

Nov 13, 2024

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Jamey Higham

President/CEO, Idaho Potato Commission

“2023-2024 IPC Business Update”

Jamey Higham, President/CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission is no stranger to Idaho’s “Potato Country.” Born and raised in Shelley, ID potatoes have played a big role in Higham’s life. He studied Political Science at BYU in Provo Utah. Received his MBA in International Marketing from Thunderbird School of Global Management. After college Higham moved back to Idaho and worked in the industry for 25 years, primarily in sales, marketing, and shipping. He also spent 5 years working for Ford Motor Company corporate in their marketing and sales division. Higham has given back to the produce industry throughout his career, as a current member of the United Fresh Government Relations Council, and as part of United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership class 13, including serving on the board of directors for the International Fresh Produce Association 3 years. He has also given back to the community, serving for 12 years on the Shelley school board. Higham has been working at the Idaho Potato Commission since January of 2022 and currently resides in Eagle, ID with his wife Melissa. They have 4 children together.

Robert Spendlove

Senior Economist, Zion Bank

“Idaho's Economic Frontier: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead”

Robert monitors the reports on economic indicators and public policy developments for the bank. Founded in 1873, Zion Bank is a division of Zion Bancorporation, which is one of the nation’s premier financial services companies and operates under seven separately managed and distinct brands throughout much of the western United States. Robert’s research interests are primarily in the areas of macroeconomics, demographics, financial markets and public policy. He frequently advises and briefs policymakers, as well as business and civic groups throughout the western United States. He is also called on to give expert analysis in the media, through print, radio and television. He is known for his insightful and understandable approach to explaining economic trends.

Kim Breshears

Chief Marketing Officer, Potatoes USA

“The Changing Marketplace: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities”

Kim Breshears leads global marketing and communications for the U.S. potato industry. With over 30 years of experience, she has spearheaded marketing and branding initiatives across diverse industries, including produce, online search, home building, and technology. She’s passionate about strategic planning, financial stewardship and delivering impactful results.

Kam Quarles

CEO, National Potato Council

"Advancing Priorities for the Potato Industry in a Chaotic Washington DC"

Since taking on the job of running the U.S. potato industry’s national trade association, Kam has overseen a comprehensive overhaul of the organization and its activities. These include building a strong team of professional staff and consultants, rebranding the organization and its signature Potato Expo, coordinating the largest disaster relief response in the industry’s history, securing significant victories in the long-standing Mexican trade dispute, and supporting a new multimillion-dollar foundation dedicated to industry leadership. Kam holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in international commerce and policy from George Mason University in Virginia. He and his wife Karen live on Capitol Hill. Their daughter Cate is now a freshman in the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.

Chanel Tewalt

Director, Idaho State Department of Agriculture

“Idaho’s Agricultural Affairs Update”

Chanel Tewalt was appointed by Governor Brad Little to serve as Director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) in January 2023. Director Tewalt first joined the ISDA while in college at Boise State University and has 16 years of experience at the department, including serving as the deputy director and chief operations officer. In her work at the agency, Tewalt has focused on collaboration with industry partners and on the implementation of agency programs with a clear understanding of statutory requirements and stakeholder needs. Tewalt grew up on a livestock operation in Klamath Falls, Oregon, which is home to longstanding struggles over water. These experiences and other lessons learned in agriculture are foundational to the way Tewalt approaches her work at the ISDA. She and her husband have two children. They co-own a family club lamb and seedstock operation in the Treasure Valley and are proud to be raising their children in and around production agriculture.

Shawn Boyle

President and General Counsel, Idaho Growers and Shippers Association

“Supporting Success: How the Idaho Grower Shippers Association Serves the Idaho Potato Industry”

Shawn currently serves as President and General Counsel of the Idaho Grower Shippers Association (IGSA), a position he has held since 2017. Under his leadership, the IGSA has significantly enhanced its operational efficiency, industry visibility and political influence. He has introduced impactful new programs, including an innovative Association Healthcare Program, while building strong relationships with key stakeholders across the agricultural landscape. Shawn’s deep passion for Idaho agriculture and his forward-thinking vision earned him wide recognition and respect within the potato industry. Prior to joining IGSA, Shawn worked as General Counsel for multiple companies in the petroleum, transportation, and farming sectors. His experience as a licensed attorney and his background in various industries have equipped him with a well-rounded perspective, making him a powerful advocate for Idaho’s potato growers and shippers.

Bob Warnock

VP Produce, Performance Foodservice

“Performance Food Group: Distributing Potatoes for Foodservice”

Mr. Warnock graduated from University of California, Berkeley with an undergraduate degree in in Industrial Engineering and followed with an MBA from University of San Francisco in 1978. He began his career in the Pulp and Paper business with the Crown Zellerbach Co. In 1985 he began his career in produce by joining FreshCo Inc., a startup offshoot of The Bruce Church Co., a lettuce shipper in Salinas Ca. As the VP of Operations at FreshCo, Mr. Warnock led the operations and the creation and development of the Packaged Salad. In 1988, FreshCo Inc. changed its name to Fresh Express and became known as “The Pioneer in Packaged Salads”. Fresh Express revenues quickly exceeded $ 1Billion and a new industry was created.

In 2002 Fresh Express was sold to Performance Food Group (PFG), and three years later PFG sold Fresh Express to Chiquita Inc. Mr. Warnock remained with PFG where he assumed the role of Vice President of Produce at PFG and has held that position until today.

Jeramiah Dickey

Director of Athletics, Boise State University

“The Future of College Athletics”

Jeramiah Dickey was named Boise State University’s Director of Athletics Jan. 2, 2021. Dickey previously served as Baylor University’s Associate Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics since February 2017. Dickey’s tenure at the helm of Boise State Athletics is best encapsulated as “What’s Next,” a phrase that expresses both the athletic department’s strategic plan and its forward-thinking mindset. The success of “What’s Next” has translated into 27 team and individual conference championships in the last three years (through the 2023-24 academic year), record-breaking academic performance and fundraising support, facility improvements that have impacted every Bronco student-athlete, and a reimagined experience for Bronco student-athletes and staff. He began his Baylor career in February 2017, serving as Associate Vice President of Athletic Operations before being promoted to Associate Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics a year later. Prior to his time at Baylor, Dickey worked as Deputy Athletics Director at the University of Houston, providing Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Hunter Yurachek day-to-day support in the oversight of the department, while also serving as the sport program administrator for football.

Dickey earned a bachelor’s degree in sport management from the University of Texas in 2004 and a master’s of sport science and coaching from Akron in 2018. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have a daughter, Emerson, and two sons, Elijah and Easton.

Idaho State University, Bengal Alumni Center
ICCU Event Hall
1601 E. Bonneville
Pocatello, ID 83201
(208) 282-3730

Special Group Rate Hotel:
Marriott Courtyard Pocatello
290 Vista Drive
Pocatello, Idaho 83201
$139 per night [ Book Now ]
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