Meridian Nut Growers

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Personnel

Jim Zion - Managing Director

Jim brings many years of experience of working in the international marketplace and the nut industry. From his position as the Managing Director of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Agricultural Export Program to his years working on various farming operations, he understands the industry he serves and the products he sells. Jim was instrumental in starting Meridian Nut Growers as a way in which growers could participate more fully in the marketing of their crops. Buyers benefit by being able to buy direct from the source.

Integrity, honesty and ethical business are the cornerstones of Jim's business philosophy.

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Cecilia Kjar - Sales Coordinator

Cecilia joined the Meridian Nut Grower's Sales team in 2002. Her research experience with the University of California Cooperative Extension office has provided her with a solid background in fruit, nuts, and raw crop production. Along with her ability to understand Italian, Cecilia is fluent in Spanish. Her Spanish speaking skills have helped our firm extend direct services to a wide range of Spanish speaking markets.

Her dedication and commitment to customer service re-enforces Meridian’s mission to maintain ethical business practices and customer satisfaction.

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Gail Reynolds - International Sales Logistics

"Gail will bring a level of service and expertise to Meridian Nut that will be immediately noticeable to our clients", states Jim Zion, Managing Director. "She is well known in the agricultural trade arena as an expert in documentation and payment negotiations." Prior to joining Meridian Nut Growers, LLC, Gail managed Bank of America's International Trade Office in Fresno. She also worked as a Trade Consultant for the Fresno City College Export Center.

Her extensive background in international documentation and payment processes adds to the effectiveness of Meridian's growing international sales department.

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Cindy Martinusen

Cindy has over 20 years experience in the nut industry. From starting in the lab with the first pistachio processing plant in the valley to being a plant manager on the west side for 5 years.

She has much experience and all around knowledge of the industry from raw to finished product.

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Paul Reynolds

Paul joined Meridian Nut in July, 2005. Prior to that, he graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with at degree in Agribusiness and a concentration in international business. His education, along with his experience, which included work at the California Canning Peach Association, makes him an excellent addition to Meridian Nut staff.

Paul looks forward to working with growers and customers directly, to add to Meridian's tradition of exceptional grower and customer service.

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