New meat processing co-operative organized
CBC Crescent Bar Chronicle News
ODESSA – The Cattle Producers of Washington Livestock Processors Cooperative Association is organized and will be ready to go as soon as its new slaughter house is ready.
The CPWLCPA had its first meeting here on March 28 and converted its organizing board into its first operating board. All of the board members are from eastern Washington, and most of the general members are as well.
There were 32 voting members at the meeting. The primary orders of business were election of an expanded operating board and to celebrate how much progress the Association has made since this time last year.
“We have met the requirements to secure the $1.2 million zero interest CERB loan, raised private investment capital, and signed the lease on property at the Odessa Industrial Park.,” Secretary Theresa King of Coulee City said. “We are still trying to raise $200,000 for operating capital.”
King noted construction packages went out for bids on road and utilities the first week of April.
Sue Lani Madsen and Joel Huesby, originally serving as President and Secretary respectively, have resigned from the original board to pursue other business interests. Madsen will be transitioning to a new role as Project Manager for the Odessa PDA for the construction of the facility.
Continuing on the board are President Willard Wolf, Treasurer Wade King and Ed Gross. Newly elected board members are Vice President Fred Brown, Cass Gebbers, Asa Timm, Jeff Schmidt, Gary Galbreath, and Randy Emtman.
Wolf ranches in Valleyford, which is near Spokane, and Oklahoma, and he's a cattle broker. He has more than over 50 years of experience in the cattle industry, has served on many boards and has held several positions in Cattle Producers of Washington.
Brown, from Colbert, is an entrepreneur, electrical engineer, professional rodeo competitor and third generation rancher. Graduated from Gonzaga University and received his Masters from Texas A&M in engineering.
Wade King is a fourth generation cattle rancher and also raises registered quarter horses. He has served on many boards, and is a past president of the CPW.
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