User:Teknoa/John Field Reichardt

John Field Reichardt (born August 1948, Grand Haven, Mich.) has been involved in government, small business and community activities. He has formed a campaign committee for Michigan’s Second Congressional District of the U.S. House of Representatives. A formal announcement regarding his candidacy will be made prior to the May 11 filing deadline.

“The ‘encouraged’ political polarization in our country is reaching a danger point,” Reichardt said when announcing the formation of his campaign committee. “It’s time for those concerned about the directions both of our parties are heading to become involved — with open minds and open hearts.”

The Second Congressional District, currently held by Rep. Peter Hoekstra, R-Holland who is not seeking re-election, includes Benzie, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Ottawa and Wexford counties, and northern Allegan and northwest Kent counties.

Political and Governmental Experience
John Field Reichardt has extensive experience with the state government and the Michigan and National Republican Party, including:

• 1994 -1995: Staff director of the Secchia Commission, a bipartisan commission that examined ways to make Michigan state government more efficient and produced more than 400 recommendations. The commission was chaired by Peter Secchia, former Ambassador of the United States of America to Italy

• 1991-1994: Director of the Michigan International Office and Executive Director of the Michigan Export Development Authority for the Michigan Department of Commerce. Responsible for management of staff in Lansing and in six international locations to encourage investment in Michigan, to promote Michigan exports and to work with appropriate foreign governments on issues of mutual interest.

• 1990-1991: Staff Director, office of former Michigan State Senator John J. H. Schwarz.

• 1983-1987: Republican Party Congressional District Chairman for the former Michigan lakeshore Ninth Congressional District, now part of the Second Congressional District.

• 1980: Delegate to the Republican National Convention, serving on the National Rules Committee.

• 1980 and 1988: Active with the presidential campaigns of George H.W. Bush, serving as a Senior Advisor in the 1988 effort.

• Reichardt has worked in senior capacities in Republican political campaigns in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire as well as Michigan.

Business Career
• Current: President The Organic Olive Oil Co. of Grand Haven.

• Current: Co-founder, and Managing Member of KMR Great Foods, LLC. KMR Great Foods is a US company organized to directly market artisan produced, exceptionally fine quality organic olive oils, in the US market.

• 1998-2001: Vice-chairman of WineSmart.com, LLC, a U.S.-based company he helped cofound to sell wines over the Internet in the European Union.

• 1974 to 1989: President of Reichardt, Inc, a retail business that operated stores in Grand Haven and Grand Rapids, Mich.

Education
• Reichardt attended Muskegon Community College, and received a bachelor’s degree in administrative science in 1971 from Colby College in Waterville Maine.

Additional Information
• The Reichardt 2010 Committee; P.O. Box 480; Muskegon, MI. 49443.