Tip Murphy honorary fund created to advance leadership excellence
Newark, Del. – Produce Marketing Association's (PMA) Foundation for Industry Talent (PMA FIT) announced today that a scholarship fund has been established in memory of industry veteran, Terrence "Tip" Murphy. The Tip Murphy Legacy Fund (TMLF) will aid industry professionals seeking to advance their leadership skills and better serve the produce industry by providing scholarships to PMA and PMA FIT leadership training and development programs.
Well known to the produce industry in Cincinnati and across the country, Murphy was division vice president of retail sales for Ready Pac Foods, Inc., when he passed away unexpectedly on July 13 at age 48. His career included 13 years with Chiquita Brands International Inc. Murphy served on the PMA Board of Directors from 2005-2007.
"Tip was a strong leader, respected colleague and beloved friend to so many of us, we thought it was only fitting to honor his memory in a way that also supports the future of industry he loved so much," said Ready Pac Senior Vice President of Sales Bob Spence.
The goal of the fund is to build a permanent endowment of $250,000 by 2012 to fund scholarships in perpetuity, according to PMA FIT Executive Director Cindy Seel. A limited number of scholarships will be granted while the endowment is being raised. Scholarships will enable recipients' participation at current and future PMA and foundation leadership development programs, such as PMA's annual Leadership Symposium. Scholarship applications will be reviewed by an advisory board now being established.
The fund will be publicly unveiled at PMA's Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition, which will be held Oct. 24-27 in Orlando, Fla., USA. More details will be reported then, stated Seel.
"I had the privilege of working alongside Tip for many years, and I cannot think of a finer man to honor in this way," said Todd Melton, Chiquita's national account manager. "I am excited to be a part of an effort that I know Tip would be proud of."
"Recognizing that strong leaders like Tip Murphy drive the future of the produce industry, the Tip Murphy Scholarship for Leadership Excellence will contribute to his legacy by helping other emerging leaders to develop leadership skills," said Seel. "We are pleased to honor him in a way that keeps his passion for this industry alive and flourishing."
Companies and individuals wishing to honor Murphy can make contributions to the PMA Foundation for Industry Talent's Tip Murphy Legacy Fund by contacting PMA's accounts receivable department at +1 (302)738-7100. Industry companies or individuals can also support PMA FIT and its efforts to attract, develop and retain produce industry talent with unrestricted pledges. Initial funding came from generous contributions by Ready Pac Produce, Inc., Naturipe Farms, Chiquita Brands International Inc., and Paramount Citrus. For more information, contact Cindy Seel at cseel@pmafit.com or by phone at +1 (302) 738-7100.
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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