PMA foundation awards scholarship to Australia's Michael Engeman
Newark, Del. – Michael Engeman of Melbourne, Australia's La Manna Group received the PMA Foundation for Industry Talent's (PMA FIT) first-ever Tip Murphy Scholarship for Leadership Excellence (TMSLE), enabling him to participate in PMA FIT's Leadership Symposium next month.
In his scholarship application, Engeman – a 15-year industry veteran – wrote of his goals to refine his leadership skills by seeking out professional development and mentoring, making his decision to use the scholarship to attend the 2009 Leadership Symposium a perfect choice. He also explained that his leadership philosophy, required of all TMSLE applicants, is to empower team members to draw their best from within and maximize their strengths. As La Manna Group's national banana category manager, Engeman is responsible for the company's largest customer and is also on the senior leadership team for his group.
"We reviewed Michael's application and recommendation from La Manna Chief Executive Officer Bernard Treacy, and are pleased to offer the scholarship to this international candidate," said Naturipe President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Peterson. "His enthusiasm and desire to succeed make him a positive role model for other young international produce professionals."
The scholarship, posthumously named after industry veteran Terrence "Tip" Murphy, was designed to support emerging leaders by providing financial assistance to attend PMA leadership programs. Unveiled in October and awarded for the first time this month, the scholarship covers registration fees and associated hotel expenses for any PMA professional development event, including Leadership Symposium, Fresh Summit International Convention and Exposition, Produce Solutions Conference and Foodservice Conference and Exposition. Eligible candidates must be employed in any segment of the produce supply chain at the time of application and the time of the chosen event, have been employed in the produce industry for a minimum of three years, and demonstrate character, leadership and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to the industry.
"I am very grateful and humbled to be named the inaugural recipient of the Tip Murphy Scholarship. One of my goals is to become a more effective leader and when this opportunity came, I jumped at it," said Engeman. "It is an honor for me to accept this scholarship and I am looking forward to the opportunity to further develop my leadership skills."
The Tip Murphy Scholarship for Leadership Excellence is supported by the Tip Murphy Legacy Fund, a restricted account set up and funded by friends and colleagues to honor the life and career of Tip Murphy. The fund and scholarship program are managed by PMA FIT, in keeping with the foundation's mission to attract, develop and retain talent for the produce community.
For more information about the scholarship or to apply, visit
www.pmafit.com.
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.
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