PMA foundation awards Tip Murphy scholarship to Nichole Towell
Newark, Del. – Nichole Towell has been selected to receive the PMA Foundation for Industry Talent's (PMA FIT) second Tip Murphy Scholarship for Leadership Excellence, the foundation's executive director announced today. Towell, marketing development manager for Duda Farm Fresh Foods in Wellington, Fla., will use the award to participate in PMA FIT's Leadership Symposium in January.
"Our scholarship committee felt that Nichole's personal statement in particular eloquently demonstrated her commitment to the industry and her passion for furthering her personal and professional development," said PMA FIT Executive Director Cindy Seel. "She was the best of a very strong field of deserving applicants. In coming years, with support from the industry, we would love to expand this program to afford more of our emerging leaders the opportunity to attend key industry events like PMA FIT's Leadership Symposium."
A graduate of California Polytechnic State University with a degree in agricultural business management, Towell has been employed in the produce industry for 11 years, nine of them spent at Duda. She said her mission throughout her career will be to give back to the produce industry through leadership and by promoting sustainable business practices industry-wide.
"I am deeply honored to be selected as the 2009 recipient of the Tip Murphy Scholarship for Leadership Excellence. Mr. Murphy's leadership qualities clearly set him apart as an industry professional, and the scholarship is truly representative of his commitment to emerging produce industry leaders," Towell said. "I am thrilled to be associated with such a thoughtful purpose and look forward to attending the Leadership Symposium in January."
The 2010 Leadership Symposium will be held Jan. 13-15 in Dallas, Texas, USA. This unique 2 1/2 day event features four leadership experts speaking on strategy, innovation and collaboration with a first-day emphasis on global and community strategy and the second day's focus shifting to leadership on a company and personal level. The symposium gives industry leaders a chance to challenge their own views of leadership and innovation in an intimate, pressure-free environment. Visit www.pma.com/leadership for more information.
The Tip Murphy Scholarship for Leadership Excellence, posthumously named after industry veteran Terrence "Tip" Murphy, supports the produce industry's emerging leaders. Unveiled in October 2008, the scholarship covers registration fees and associated hotel expenses for any PMA or PMA FIT professional development event, including Leadership Symposium, Fresh Summit International Convention and Exposition, 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.
The scholarship is supported by the Tip Murphy Legacy Fund, a restricted account set up and funded by friends and colleagues of Murphy to honor his life and career. 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.
Editors' note: A high resolution photo of Nichole Towell is available in color or black and white. Please contact Nancy Ferguson.
About PMA Foundation for Industry Talent (PMA FIT)
The PMA Foundation for Industry Talent was founded in 2006 by 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. For more information, visit www.pmafit.com.
About Produce Marketing Association (PMA)
Founded in 1949, the Produce Marketing Association is the leading trade association representing nearly 3,000 companies from 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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