CONCORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Welch’s today announced Thomas Wilkinson of North East, PA, has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Wilkinson takes over for Joseph Falcone, of Silver Creek, NY, who retired in February.
Wilkinson is a member of National Grape Cooperative Inc., a cooperative of nearly 1,000 family farmers who own Welch’s and have grown inherently healthy Concord and Niagara grapes for generations.
“Tom continually demonstrates tremendous commitment to the co-op and our organization,” says Brad Irwin, Welch’s president and CEO. “As a grower, business owner and executive, he brings decades of leadership experience that will prove invaluable as we continue to innovate in grape products and build our brand. I look forward to working closely with him as we build greater value for our family farmers.”
“It has been a pleasure to serve on the Welch’s board for the past 8 years, and I’m honored to have been elected chairman,” says Wilkinson. “My fellow growers and I take tremendous pride in growing the grapes that are Welch’s key ingredient. I’m eager to work further with the board to take our grapes to new products and help secure a sustainable, profitable future for grape agriculture.”
Wilkinson owns and operates a 200-acre farm and is president of Thomas Daniel Vineyards, Inc. From 1982 to 1996, he served as Welch’s corporate engineering director. He has also held executive roles at E. D. Smith/North Coast Processing and Red Wing/Carriage House Company. Wilkinson is a director at Lake View Development Corporation and the North East Community Foundation. He holds a BSME from Valparaiso University.
About Welch’s
Welch’s is the processing and marketing subsidiary of the National Grape Cooperative. Located across America and in Ontario, Canada, the cooperative’s approximately 1,000 family farmers own the company and grow the delicious and inherently healthy Concord grapes used in Welch’s juices and other grape-based products. Welch’s is committed to research and development that will meet the growing demand for products that address consumers’ health and nutrition needs. Welch’s products are sold throughout the United States and in approximately 40 countries around the globe. Welch’s is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Minorities/Female/Disabled/Veterans. www.welchs.com