PMA Foundation for Industry Talent Fundraising Surpasses $3 Million
Newark, Del. – Fundraising to support the vital work of the Produce Marketing Association Foundation for Industry Talent (PMA FIT) to attract employee talent to the produce industry has reached a milestone, with campaign contributions breaking the $3 million mark.
"We are pleased to have reached this milestone to help fund the foundation's vital work to recruit, retain and develop the skilled workforce we all need," said Steve Barnard, chairman of the board of PMA FIT and president and chief executive officer of Mission Produce Inc. Oxnard, Calif. "Our campaign committee has been working tirelessly over the last several months, and it is great to see everyone's hard work payoff."
"We have a real talent crisis ahead of us and we need to ensure strong talent and continued leadership for our industry," said Barnard. "The Foundation's recruitment and retention initiatives hinge on the success of this fundraising campaign, and we are making great strides in reaching our goal."
The Foundation launched its 22-month capital campaign, "Our Industry...Our People", in June 2006 with a goal of garnering $5 million in funding. The monies contributed will fund the foundation's programs from 2008-2012 and finance development of specific programs to attract, develop and retain talent for the produce supply chain. The Foundation currently operates an industry-specific job bank for entry- and intermediate-level positions, a career awareness campaign to attract students to the produce industry, and programs including mentoring and Career Pathways scholarships that immerse students into the industry by bringing them to industry education and networking events such as PMA's annual Fresh Summit Convention and Exposition.
The Foundation is also planning new programs including leadership training and education tools for all levels of industry leaders, a visiting professor program, and tools to help industry businesses encourage employee loyalty and retention.
"We have had great success with our initial programs," said PMA FIT Executive Director Cindy Seel. "The Pack Family/PMA Career Pathways Fund, an event scholarship and student immersion program, has brought 113 students to Fresh Summit over the last five years. We are proud to say we have achieved a 51 percent success rate with 31 of the 61 graduates accepting positions with a member company."
The Foundation currently has 50 corporate and individual contributors who have pledged a collective $3,165,000. Contributors are recognized throughout the year at PMA events, in publications and on the foundation's Web site, www.pmafit.com. The initial campaign will continue through April 2009, when fundraising efforts will shift to annual campaigns, grants, long-term giving and sponsorships.
About PMA Foundation for Industry Talent (PMA FIT)
The PMA Foundation for Industry Talent was founded in 2006 by the Produce Marketing Association, the leading trade association for the produce industry. PMA FIT is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation providing produce companies with unique programs to attract, develop and retain the produce industry's most valuable resource – talented people. PMA FIT is dedicated to ensuring a quality workforce for the industry, and making a positive difference in the lives of current and future produce professionals by developing their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success.
About Produce Marketing Association (PMA)
Founded in 1949, the Produce Marketing Association is the leading trade association serving more than 2,100 companies representing every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain. Members rely on PMA year round for the business solutions they need to increase sales and consumption, build strong professional relationships, and expand their business opportunities. For more information, visit www.pma.com.
PRESS CONTACT
Theresa Zuroick
+1 (302) 738-7100 x3031
For more information, contact:
Contact: Cindy Seel, cseel@pmafit.com, +1 (302) 738-7100, ext. 3090
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