Aug 13, 2014

Sturdivant Joins Wells FargoSource: BusinessWire

Barry Sturdivant has joined Wells Fargo’s National Food and Agribusiness Division and will lead its initiative with the U.S. nursery and greenhouse industry.

Since 2000 Sturdivant has headed Bank of the West’s National Nursery/Greenhouse Agribusiness Center.

“The addition of Barry Sturdivant reinforces our dedication to growing our agribusiness network,” said Rob Yraceburu, head of Wells Fargo’s National Food and Agribusiness Division. “Barry brings specialized industry knowledge that will greatly benefit our clients in the sector and support the continued growth of our business.”

“The need for industry expertise, combined with national and local perspective, is rapidly increasing among wholesale nursery and greenhouse growers,” said Sturdivant, who will work with local Wells Fargo commercial bankers in their home markets to serve local horticulture businesses.

Wells Fargo’s increased resources for the greenhouse and nursery industry follow the bank’s recent expansion into food and agribusiness in Eastern U.S. markets. In 2013, the bank announced formation of a National Food and Agribusiness Division to replicate its western specialization to new markets in the Midwest, South, and East.

“Nurseries are emerging from a long and deep recession and must be cautious in growing into their improving market,” Sturdivant said. “Frequent and personal contact from local bankers who understand the local economy will better position these operations for success.”