Claire Smith was appointed Manager, Public Relations for Sunkist Growers in 1986. In 1996, her position was expanded to Director, Corporate Communications. She is responsible for directing the corporate communications activities of the international agricultural marketing cooperative, including public relations, media relations, special events, grower and employee publications, annual report production and speech writing. She is also responsible for supplying similar public relations services for its affiliate, Fruit Growers Supply Company.
Prior to joining Sunkist, Smith was assistant vice president of marketing and public and member relations for the Farm Credit Banks of Sacramento. She directed the advertising program for a five-state area, managed member relations activities, served as spokesperson and was managing editor of the news magazine. She also produced annual reports and other publications.
Since graduating with a degree in journalism and advertising from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, Smith has held various public relations and advertising positions in academia and in the public relations industry. She serves on the public relations committees of the Agricultural Council of California and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and Agricultural Relations Council. Smith is also a member of the International Association of Business Communicators, where she served as both vice president and director, and is a member and past president of the Southern California chapter of the National Agri-Marketing Association.
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