GLENNVILLE, GA - A transition has officially taken place at Bland Farms, one that some may say has been three generations in the making. The onion purveyor recently announced that Troy Bland will take over as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer after being promoted from his former role as Chief Operating Officer.
“I’ve learned so much from Delbert and Bryce, and I’m humbled to be taking over now. We’ve been planning this transition for a year. I don’t think you ever feel completely prepared, but after 2020 I think I am ready for anything,” said Troy Bland. “At Bland Farms, we have great people at every level, so I know I’m not doing this alone. Together, we will continue to grow and embrace innovation to meet our customers' ever-changing needs while remembering our roots in family and faith.”
Bland’s transition to becoming CEO was organized and mapped out by Delbert Bland, President, and Bryce Edmonson, the previous CEO, according to a recent release from the company. Edmonson will remain as a Senior Advisor for Bland Farms, while Delbert Bland will continue on in his current position as Owner and President.
Bland has been involved in Bland Farms' business since childhood, embracing his family tradition with the company since the age of 10. Throughout his time at the family operation, Bland has held numerous positions including Assets and Procurement, Quality Director, Director of Operations, and Chief of Operations where he helped oversee the company’s packing facilities in Peru, Mexico, Texas, and Georgia.
“Troy has grown up in the business. He works hard and it’s rewarding to see what he’s accomplished,” explained Delbert Bland. “The title is new, but as COO he's been doing the work along with me and Bryce for the last four years. Troy has the respect of the entire organization and has earned this. Troy is doing what he loves—running Bland Farms, and I’m doing what I love—selling onions.”
In addition to the many roles he has filled at Bland Farms, Troy Bland was appointed to the FVIAC Advisory Board by Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue last year; served on the Georgia REACH Board, which provides academic and social support to at-risk students; and is one of the past Chairpersons for the Vidalia® Onion Committee.
As he steps into his role as CEO, Bland will be the third generation of the Bland family to become Chief Executive Officer in a tradition started by Raymond Bland, Troy Bland’s grandfather, over 70 years ago.
Bland’s appointment isn’t the only exciting update coming from Bland Farms, as the onion maven recently announced new improvements to its state-of-the-art packing facility. The building now maintains a controlled atmosphere from the time onions are carried in from the field to the time they are loaded for distribution, which is reportedly a first for the sweet onion industry.
“It’s a giant leap in the industry. The industry has been sizing and packing in open air buildings. Having a complete CA facility allows us to precisely control the humidity, airflow, and temperature throughout every stage of the drying and packing process to consistently deliver a better-quality sweet onion with a longer shelf-life,” said Troy Bland.
Congratulations to Troy Bland on achieving his new role and to the entire Bland Farms company on this new facility advancement.
