Bill Wilson, manager of Dos Palos Cooperative Gin, Dos Palos, Calif. was named the California Cotton Ginners Association (CCGA)“2006 Ginner of the Year” during the organization’s annual meeting recently held in Morro Bay.

Larry Gallian, former manger of Visalia Co-Op Gin, was also recognized with the association’s Distinguished Service Award for his efforts in the cotton industry.

Wilson is native of Missouri and a graduate of Tranquility High School who has been manager at Dos Palos since 1973.

He was a member of the board of the California Cotton Ginners from 1977-1980 and again in 2004.

Gallian began his cotton career in 1964 and became manager of Visalia Co-Op Gin in 1980. He was a CCGA board member from 1985-2006, secretary/treasurer of the association from 2001-2006, and president from 1990-1991. Gallian was also named association “Ginner of the Year” in 1991.