Oceana County Economic Alliance (OCEA) is pleased to announce Peterson Farms and the Peterson Family will be the focus at this year’s Annual Economic Update Breakfast as the community gathers to celebrate OCEA's 45th year. The breakfast will be Friday, Oct. 10 at the MSU Research Station in Hart. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast.
Earl Peterson, a fourth-generation fruit grower, along with his wife, Linda, purchased their first farm in 1972. They continued to acquire acreage in Michigan’s Oceana County throughout the years. Peterson Farms, Inc. was established in 1984 as a secure home for Earl and Linda’s tart cherry tonnage of 250,000 lbs. Today, Peterson Farms is a marketing leader of frozen fruits in the United States, marketing over 150 million finished pounds of frozen fruits and 7 million gallons of single-strength apple juice/cider and juice concentrates. Peterson Farms Fresh, Inc. was established in 2004 as a state-of-the-art fresh-cut fruit processing company and is one of the leading processors of fresh-cut apples in the United States. Peterson Farms and the Peterson family have been directly involved in initiatives for housing, childcare, and community projects.
In addition to the presentation, the program will include OCEA history from founding board member Paul Inglis, a regional economic development update from The Right Place VP Tim Mroz, an OCEA annual update from OCEA Executive Director Curtis Burdette.
Reservations are currently being accepted. Corporate tables of six are available for $750 or two tables of six for $1,500 while individual seating is available for $30 each. Corporate sponsorships including individual seating are also welcomed at $250 or $500. Reach out to Curtis Burdette at burdettec@rightplace.org for more information.
