Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/418083
www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER DECEMBER 2014 45 WORKING his way up J osé Ramirez, orchard manager at Stein-Manzana Orchard in Royal City, Washington, will receive the Latino Leadership Award at the Washington State Horticultural Association's annual awards banquet in Kennewick on December 2. Leo Garcia, director of bilingual agricul- tural education programs at Wenatchee Valley College, has known Ramirez since 1997 when Ramirez took the Hispanic Orchard Employee Education Program in Quincy. At the time, he spoke little English. "I've always admired José for who he is as an individual and who he represents," Garcia said. "You have to look at where he started and where he is now. It's easier when your parents pay for college and you become a doctor, but think about people who are almost from the very bottom and work their way up to be respected by their peers. He can really talk to any of the people in the industry and hold his ground very well." Garcia said Ramirez, who lives in Moses Lake, is a leader in the community. He sits on the area hospital board and the weed control board in Royal City. He's also respected by the employees he manages and makes sure all the full-time employees have access to education. "It's pretty amazing," Garcia said. "I feel really proud to be one of his friends and to get to know and associate with people like that." Karen Lewis, Washington State University extension specialist, said Ramirez has been a champion for farmworker education and has played an integral role in the educa- tional efforts of organizations such as WSU, the Hort Association, Washington State Department of Agriculture, and Wenatchee Valley College. "He knows that education is fundamental in being successful in this industry and in your community," she said. "He walks the walk." —G. Warner Family photos from the early life of José Ramirez, who left school at age 11 to work on the farm. Growers: Attract and maintain a steady labor force by offering on-farm housing that sleeps up to 20 workers in high quality, low maintenance structures. We have several floor plans approved by the Washington State Department of Health– fully self-contained units, and dormitory only. They include: • showers • eating area • toilets/sinks • sleeping area • kitchen with appliances - GE • social area • plumbed for washer/dryer Experienced in building H-2A Housing . Our homes are built to perform under the conditions required. We use these quality components: • James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding • Jeld-Wen windows with double-strength glass • Copper water lines • Large capacity water heaters We have over 25 years' experience in building quality farm housing. OVER 245 units already SOLD! * .*%$*&$ . $)% .%&' .)#+.,+.)+!((+..)#(.*.--,, &."!."#(.-'-'-,-