Industry emphasizes importance of PMA foundation's work
to attract, develop, and retain talent with support for capital campaign
Newark, Del. – The produce industry confirmed its support for the vision of Produce Marketing Association's Foundation for Industry Talent (PMA FIT), embracing the foundation's mission to attract, develop and retain produce industry talent despite a tough economy. With that support, the foundation brought its capital fundraising campaign to a close in the first quarter of 2010, having raised nearly $4.7 million in pledged produce industry contributions.
"Thanks to the generous support of our visionary contributors, we raised the seed money to launch our efforts and are now building a sustainable business model that can support the long-term talent needs of our industry," said Bill Schuler, PMA FIT Chairman and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Castellini Group of Companies. "Our fundraising attention will now turn to making sure we carefully invest the pledged funds to help extend our future work, and to raising funds to cover our annual operating budget."
In addition to contributions from these major and other donors, fundraisers such as the first annual Live FIT 5K Run/Walk held at PMA's Fresh Summit convention and the Nucci Golf Tournament held at PMA's foodservice conference and expo have helped fund the foundation's work-to-date.
The foundation was launched in 2006 to address the need to attract new talent and develop leadership skills for the produce industry. Schuler noted that annual operating revenue will come from donations to the annual fund, sponsorships, grants, special events and program revenues, and will be subsidized by the capital campaign pledges.
"With the support of the numerous capital campaign contributors who share the foundation's important vision, PMA FIT has already been able to develop several successful programs to attract bright, young talent to careers in fresh produce," said Bryan Silbermann, PMA President & CEO.
Some examples of these programs include multiple Career Pathways event scholarships, a career fair and a student outreach volunteer program targeting more than 65 universities. In addition, the foundation created Fresh Perspective, a women's leadership event that inspires and motivates women while enhancing networking opportunities.
"Many companies have made significant contributions towards the foundation's $5 million capital campaign goal. We would especially like to recognize those visionary companies who have made donations of $100,000 and above," Schuler said.
Those are:
Leadership Level - $500,000+
Jay and Ruth Pack Family Foundation
Produce Marketing Association
Executive Level - $250,000 - $499,999
Castellini Group of Companies
Georgia-Pacific
Mission Produce, Inc.
Pacific International Marketing
Paramount Farms
Taylor Farms, Inc.
Platinum Level - $150,000 - $249,999
The Oppenheimer Group
The Packer
Diamond Level - $100,000 - $149,999
CHEP
Driscoll's
Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc.
Frontera Produce LTD
Mann Packing Company, Inc.
Produce Business
Progressive Produce Corporation
Sunkist Growers, Inc.
The Giumarra Companies
For a full list of PMA FIT capital campaign donors, visit www.pmafit.com/support/campaign_capital.aspx.
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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