THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 4, 1994 TAG: 9412020210
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
SINCE PLANTERS PEANUTS is capable of turning out 1 million pounds of peanuts a day, plant manager Gerald Chesser is always looking for a better way to turn out a product that people will want to buy.
Chesser, 48, has been with Planters for 21 years, seven in Suffolk. Each morning at the new Suffolk plant, where about 500 people work, Chesser begins his day by touring the $35 million facility and checking its production numbers.
Chesser says the peanuts and tree nuts (cashews, pecans and almonds) processed and packaged go all over the world. However, most of the Suffolk production goes into the domestic market, mainly on the East Coast or into the Midwest, he says.
``My job is to keep people happy with a steady supply of peanuts. And right now, we're in full swing because of Christmas. Everybody's working.''
Name: Gerald T. Chesser
What brought you to Suffolk? My job.
Hometown: Albany, N.Y.
Birthdate: Aug. 10, 1946
Occupation: Plant manager for Planters Peanuts.
Marital status: Married to Alice.
Children: Kerry, Gerry and Bethany.
Favorite movies: ``Gone With the Wind'' and ``Prince of Tides.''
Favorite magazine: Esquire
A book you wish everyone would read: ``The Fifth Discipline,'' to better understand life-long learning.
Favorite night out on the town: Dinner and a movie.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Front Street, LeChambord, Three Ships Inn and Steinhilber's.
Favorite food and drink: Any of the many delicious Planters snacks.
Few people know . . . Actually, few people really know me.
What's the best thing about yourself? I don't know, but it's probably still ahead.
First thing in the morning: Check the plant's production numbers.
Pets: Two cats.
Hobbies: Reading management books and fishing.
Ideal vacation: San Francisco
Pet peeve: Not reaching your potential.
First job: Production supervisor.
Worst job: Latrine orderly, U.S. Army.
Of what achievements are you most proud? New Planters plant in Suffolk.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``He made a difference.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Gerald Chesser
by CNB