The Florida Citrus Commission agreed last week to appoint Dan Gunter as the next executive

director of the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC). Dr Gunter will replace Bob Crawford who resigned last month and will step down from the position on June 1, 2004.

"This is a terrific hire for the FDOC and the entire citrus industry," commission chairman Andrew Taylor said. "Dr Gunter has broad knowledge of not only the

citrus industry but also the market forces that help shape global commerce. I'm positive he'll use this knowledge to benefit Florida citrus."

Dr Gunter has a long history in the citrus industry, both in government and the private sector. He was previously with the FDOC from 1980-1992; first as director of economic and market research and then as executive director. Most recently, Dr Gunter has spent the past four months serving as an economic and

market consultant to the FDOC.

"I'm excited to be back at the FDOC," Dr Gunter said. "Our industry faces some significant challenges, but with hard work and a clear focus, we can successfully meet those challenges."

After his six-year stint as FDOC executive director from 1986-1992,Gunter moved to private industry and became an executive at Lykes Bros. Inc.,

which later became Vitality Beverages Inc. He held several positions with Lykes' subsidiaries that marketed juices and non-carbonated beverages to

retail and foodservice markets.

Crawford is returning to run the estate agency he founded with his wife.

The FDOC is an executive branch of the Florida government charged with the marketing, research and regulation of the Florida citrus industry. The Florida Citrus Commission, whose 12 members are appointed by the Governor, oversees the FDOC.

The FDOC's activities are funded by a tax paid by growers on each box of citrus that moves through commercial channels. The industry employs

approximately 90,000 people and has a $9 billion annual economic impact on the state contributing hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues that

help support Florida's schools, roads and health care services.

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