Allied Grape Growers Hires Tim Mendonca; Promotes Karl Lehman, Chad Clark and Kevin Rogers

NEWS RELEASE

 

FRESNO, July 8, 2022 – Allied Grape Growers (AGG) has named Tim Mendonca as full-time grower
relations representative in the Central Valley. He will cover the east side of Fresno County and the region
south of Hwy. 180 down to Kern County. As a member of the grower relations team, Mendonca will be
responsible for liaising with association members and growers and facilitating grape deliveries on
association contracts.

 

Mendonca comes to AGG with more than a decade of experience in the industry. He graduated from
Fresno State in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in viticulture, then went on to work for Agajanian Vineyards
and Vie-Del Company. In addition to his formal education and experience working with local grape
buyers, Mendonca earned his license as a certified pest control advisor (PCA). He is the president of the
Fresno State Viticulture Alumni Association and has served as an alternate on the Winegrape Inspection
Program Advisory Board.

 

“We are thrilled to welcome Tim into the dedicated AGG family,” AGG President Jeff Bitter said. “With his
viticulture degree, wine industry background and pest management expertise, he has just the right mix of
knowledge and experience to benefit AGG for years to come. Tim is an excellent addition to our team.”
Mendonca said, “I am looking forward to working with the AGG staff and growers to help accomplish our
unified goals and objectives. It’s great to be part of the team I have always enjoyed doing business with in
the past.”

 

Staff Promotions

 

AGG has promoted Karl Lehman from manager to director of Central Valley operations and Chad Clark
from manager to director of North Coast operations. Lehman has been with AGG since 2006 and Clark
since 2010. Additionally, Kevin Rogers was promoted from North Coast grower relations to manager of
North Coast grower and buyer relations. He has been with AGG since 2016.

 

“Karl, Chad and Kevin have all been incredible assets to AGG for many years and they are committed to
the success of our members,” Bitter said. “We are proud of their hard work, dedication and leadership.”

 

Contacts:
Jeff Bitter, (559) 276-7021, jeff@alliedgrapegrowers.org
Tim Mendonca, (559) 649-0602, tim@alliedgrapegrowers.org