Apple Citizen of the Year
The Apple Citizen of the Year Award began in 1981 and is presented each year during the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival. This award was established to honor the roots of the fruit industry and the leaders that make the Wenatchee Valley the Apple Capital of the World.
When this award was established, it was determined that it should be presented to an individual in North Central Washington who contributes to improving the Washington State tree fruit industry. A group of industry leaders developed the following criteria to be taken into consideration when determining the award recipient.
An individual who participates regularly in the industry’s organizations and serves on committees for the improvement and advancement of the industry.
An individual who shows leadership in the enhancement of business practices throughout the industry.
An individual who is recognized not only throughout the industry, but throughout the community for ongoing participation in activities important to the people of North Central Washington.
An individual whose personal example throughout the industry, is recognized and followed by others.
An individual whose inspiring leadership encourages others to learn and grow while supporting their volunteer participation throughout the industry and in the community.
2026 Recipient, Debert “Del” Vanderhoff
A longtime and respected leader in Washington’s fruit industry has been named the 2026 Apple Citizen of the Year. Delbert “Del” Vanderhoff, President and Owner of Chamberlin Ag, received the honor Sunday evening during a surprise presentation by Apple Blossom Festival Administrator, Darci Christoferson. Now in its 44th year, the Apple Citizen of the Year award recognizes individuals whose leadership and dedication continue to strengthen Wenatchee’s proud title as the Apple Capital of the World.
Born and raised in Wenatchee, Del graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1971 before attending Washington State University. He returned home in 1974 to join his father at Chamberlin Ag—an organization founded in 1949 with a mission to help growers deliver the world’s best fruit. Del began his career as a crop consultant and later assumed the role of CEO, guiding the company into a period of remarkable growth and innovation.
Under Del’s leadership, Chamberlin Ag has continued its commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for growers and now operates facilities in Wenatchee, Cashmere, Hood River, Oregon, Dublin, California, and a new state-of-the-art complex in East Wenatchee. In addition to his work at Chamberlin, Del is also an independent cherry and pear grower.
Vanderhoff’s industry involvement extends far beyond his business. He is a graduate of the Ag Forestry Leadership Program, Class 16; a member of Westlink Ag Co-Op, where he served on the board for 15 years; and a past board member of Far West Agribusiness. Del has also served as chairman of the Chelan County Republican Central Committee and is an active member of Saddlerock Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
Outside of his professional commitments, Del is an avid golfer, hunter, and biker. He is also a licensed pilot who enjoys flying whenever he gets the chance. Del and his wife, June, have been married for 49 years and are proud parents of four children and grandparents to 12 grandchildren.
The Apple Citizen of the Year award, established in 1981, is selected by leaders of the apple industry and past Apple Citizen recipients. It continues to honor the deep roots of the fruit industry and the visionary individuals who help shape the Wenatchee Valley’s legacy.
Del will be formally recognized at the All-Service Club & Community Luncheon on April 30 and will take part in the Stemilt Grand Parade on May 2.
