Washington Association of Wheat Growers Announces Executive Director Appointment

    RITZVILLE, WA, July 09, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Michelle Hennings, Washington Association of Wheat Grower's newly appointed Executive Director, has an extensive history with agriculture and the organization. WAWG President, Nicole Berg stated, "Hennings has served in the role of Director of Finance and Administration for 9 years, making her the perfect choice for taking the association and our industry to the next level. I am excited to continue working with Michelle to protect the livelihood of the Washington wheat producer, and foster the development of the association as a key influential regarding policy at the state and federal level.

The appointment of an Executive Director is part of WAWG's 2014-15 strategic plan, along with increasing memberships at the county level. Hennings noted, "Increase in our membership will serve to strengthen the organization and provide us with information to better serve our constituents at the state and national level. We want grower input."

Education and outreach are the heart of WAWG activity, all of which is aimed at helping Washington wheat families. Since 1954, WAWG has been dedicated to the enrichment of the Washington wheat industry as a nonprofit trade association which depends on volunteers, membership dues and donations to carry out activities as representatives on the state and national levels. In partnership with the National Association of Wheat Growers, WAWG monitors state and national policy, including transportation, research, and natural resources.

Steve Claassen, Washington Grain Commission, Chairman commented, "The commission and industry as a whole are excited in regards to WAWG's decision to promote Michelle Hennings to the position of Executive Director. Hennings abilities have been proven over time, with 9 years of service. We feel she is the right individual to be out front as a contact person. She has a good read on the perception of our industry and understands how to nurture those relationships."

As the association's Executive Director, Hennings will serve alongside Berg in a liaison role to the Washington Wheat Foundation and Grain Commission. Foundation President, Ric Wesselman said "Michelle is a proven teammate in the wheat industry and we look forward to continuing that collaboration in her new role."

For more information on this or other related issues, please contact Michelle Hennings, Executive Director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers at, phone: 509-659-0610 or email: [email protected].

Education and outreach are the heart of WAWG activity, all of which is aimed at helping Washington wheat families. Since 1954, WAWG has been dedicated to the enrichment of the Washington wheat industry. WAWG is a nonprofit trade association that depends on volunteers for support - both activities and funding. WAWG activities are guided by members through grass-roots committees. Membership dues and donations make it possible for volunteers to carry out activities as representatives on the state and national levels - to help favorably influence farm legislation and trade. WAWG's first major effort was to form the Washington Wheat Commission, which later became the Washington Grain Commission as it merged with the Washington Barley Commission. WAWG and the Washington Grain Commission are two separate organizations working cooperatively to protect and enhance the industry, and the WAWG provides services to the Washington Grain Commission, such as publishing Wheat Life magazine. Direct wheat producer support is necessary to carry out all WAWG activities that relate to general lobbying. WAWG monitors state, transportation, research, natural resources policy and partners with the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WHEAT GROWERS to monitor national farm policy.

MISSION STATEMENT
"Working for solutions to problems of the farm, the farm home and rural community using united, organized action to represent, protect and advance the social, economic and educational interests of wheat farmers of Washington State."

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