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.
2024 RECIPIENT, WEST MATHISON
The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival Announces West Mathison, President/CEO of Stemilt Orchards, as the 2024 Apple Citizen of the Year. Longtime Friend Ben Paine presented the award to West at Saturday’s Royalty Selection Pageant.
West Mathison was raised in Wenatchee Washington on Stemilt Hill…he is the oldest son of Kyle and Jan and has a younger brother and sister. West attended Mission View Elementary and Pioneer Middle School. At Wenatchee High School West was the 1995 Senior Class President and played center for the Wenatchee Panthers football team. He then graduated from the University of Puget Sound and worked for Accenture. 1994 Apple Blossom Queen Heather Hopkins set West up with her best friend Courtney…their first date was at the Windmill…and they soon got married in 2003 and in 2005 moved back to Wenatchee where West became President/CEO of Stemilt. West and Courtney have 2 sons and 2 daughters.
During West’s Tenure Stemilt has grown its footprint in apples, pears, cherries and organic tree fruits and solidified its position as a tree fruit leader focused on “cultivating people and delighting consumers through excellence” with World Famous Fruit. Stemilt celebrates its 60th year in business in 2024.
Some milestones that have taken place the past 19 years is the construction of multiple commercial buildings in the Olds Station area of Wenatchee, including Stemilt’s corporate headquarters, Fresh Cube Distribution Center, and a soon-to-open pear packing facility. Under West’s leadership, Stemilt has developed long-term marketing partnerships with Douglas Fruit, Hansen Fruit, etc. and completed mergers that helped Stemilt grow its position in pears, organic apples, and become a California Cherry supplier. Stemilt formed a unique partnership with Confluence Health to offer all employees and their dependents access to a free, on-site health clinic. The Stemilt Family Clinic has 5,000 visits annually and provides people with routine health care and prescription drug coverage at NO cost! Stemilt became the first tree fruit company to fully certify its operations through Equitable Food Initiative and their Responsibly Grown, Farmworker Assured program. This provides third-party certification that Stemilt orchards and warehouses meet over 300 rigorous standards for food safety, integrated pest management, and responsible labor practices.
West was the president of the Washington Horticulture Association. He served on the Eastern Washington Advisory Council to Governor Christine Gregoire from 2008 to 2013. And in 2012 was recognized by the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs with the Community Collaboration Award. He serves in Position 9 for the Washington Apple Commission board and is the former board chair member for the Mission Ridge Ski Team. In 2016, West was appointed by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco to the Seattle Branch Board of Directors. He was appointed to provide insights on his respective business sector and offer observations on the NCW economy. West has continued the legacy of giving at Stemilt by supporting the Washington Apple Education Foundation with over $100,000 in scholarships annually, including a full-ride scholarship that honors his late grandfather.
The Apple Citizen of the Year award is chosen by leaders of the apple industry and past recipients of the Apple Citizen of the year award. This award began in 1981 to honor the roots of the fruit industry and the leaders that make the Wenatchee Valley the Apple Capital of the World. West Mathison will be honored at the All-Service Club & Community Luncheon on May 1st and the Stemilt Grand Parade on May 4th.
The Apple Citizen of the Year award is chosen by leaders of the apple industry and past recipients of the Apple Citizen of the year award. This award began in 1981 to honor the roots of the fruit industry and the leaders that make the Wenatchee Valley the Apple Capital of the World.
