Earl Williams Noted as a Uniter

California Cotton Ginners and Growers Associations Announce the Retirement of President/CEO Earl P. Williams

It was announced TODAY, that after an incredible career that has spanned two decades at the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Associations, Earl P. Williams has retired effective December 31st.  For more than twenty years Earl has seen many successes, not the least of which was achieving 100% membership in both the Ginners and Growers Associations on a voluntary basis.  

When Earl started at the Associations in 1993, only 60% of the cotton growers in the state were members and only 85% of the cotton gins were members.  Unheard of with organizations that aren’t mandatory check-off programs, the 100% membership in the two associations is a testament to the success the Associations have enjoyed under Earl’s leadership. 

Preparing and submitting numerous Section 18’s for critical crop protection chemicals, the passage of several industry related legislative bills (module truck axle weights, truck tractor/trailer type vehicles as implements of husbandry, etc.), getting the gins on agricultural rates in the PG&E and SCE territories, and the passage of the partial sales tax exemption for tractors, parts and fuel for agriculture are just a few of the critical highlights that occurred during his storied career.  

Earl had the uncanny ability to bring diverging opinions together and unite them towards a common goal. 

This characteristic was evidenced in the opening of the one variety law, and dealing with tough issues like sticky cotton, pima prep and seed coat fragments.  At a special event celebrating his retirement, Williams was recognized for his outstanding career with the first ever California Cotton Ginners and Growers Associations’ Lifetime Achievement Award! 

On behalf of the entire membership, staff and Boards of Directors of these Associations, we wish to thank Earl for all that he has done for the California Cotton Industry and wish him the very best in his future!   He will truly be missed!


Effective January 1, 2014, Executive Vice President Roger A. Isom will assume the duties of President/CEO of the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Associations. 

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