Northeast produce industry will be on display to next generation
at PMA FIT Career Pathways program at NEPC
Newark, Del. – Produce Marketing Association Foundation for Industry Talent and the New England Produce Council are partnering on the first of four Career Pathways events in 2010 at the upcoming NEPC Expo in Boston, Mass. Bringing together students, produce industry advisors and speakers, the PMA FIT Career Pathways program at the New England Produce Council event exposes new talent to the passion of the produce industry.
"The Career Pathways program with PMA FIT is such a great tool for the produce industry to get exposure among students," said Will Wedge, Director of Produce for Hannaford Bros. Co. "Our industry is a fabulous place to work, and there's no better way to explain that to students than to walk them around a show like the NEPC Expo and introduce them to friends and colleagues who are doing what they love."
Students from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and the University of Maine will attend NEPC thanks to the sponsorship of Coast to Coast Produce, Inc. An invitation-only reception is planned April 13, for students and faculty, FIT contributors and the FIT and NEPC boards.
"The New England Produce Council is very excited to have the PMA FIT Career Pathways program at our exposition again this year," said Laura Sullivan, Executive Director of NEPC. "Our members and exhibitors really value the connection to the regional university programs."
As with each of its Career Pathways scholarship programs, the foundation brings in industry experts to talk to the students about the produce industry. For NEPC, students will get an industry overview to help explain the scope of the industry and its many attributes from Peter Goulet, Pinnacle Sales & Marketing Inc.
Industry professionals Will Wedge, Hannaford Bros. Co.; Stephen Noll, State Garden, Inc.; Rick Zaffarano, West Cost Distributing; and Tony Barreira, Chiquita Fresh North America will share their career path, the rewards of working in the industry, and give advice to students during a Career Path Panel. Students will also hear from young produce professionals Robert Brown III, Orchard Dale Fruit Co./Brown's Berry Patch, and Dan Henry, W.D. Henry and Sons, Inc., themselves FIT Career Pathways Program alumni, about their experience with the program and their career path.
The original Pack Family Career Pathways Scholarship has brought almost 200 students to Fresh Summit over the last seven years from U.S. and international schools to see the breadth and opportunity available in the fresh produce and floral industry. In 2008, PMA FIT began a partnership with the Fresh Produce and Floral Council, and in 2009 with the New England Produce Council, to introduce students to the produce industry at regional events, mirroring many of the elements of the successful program funded by the Jay and Ruthie Pack Foundation.
There is still time to get involved in 2010 and beyond — PMA FIT is always looking for career ambassadors to bring their passion for the produce industry and speak to students at a local university or volunteer as an advisor or speaker for any of the Career Pathways programs. Contact PMA FIT Program Director, Alicia Calhoun for more details, at acalhoun@pmafit.com or (302) 607-2157.
Editor's note: Media interested in speaking to participating students, advisors or speakers can RSVP for the invitation-only reception by e-mailing acalhoun@pmafit.com.
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 New England Produce Council (NEPC)
The New England Produce Council was founded in 1995 by Cece Krumrine and Arthur O'Leary. The Council is a nonprofit trade association serving over 500 members. Members are involved in all sectors of the industry: distribution, production, foodservice, and retail of fresh fruits and vegetables. NEPC is also a member of the Produce Marketing Association. The Council's mission is to promote the fresh fruit and vegetable industry through good fellowship, cooperation and mutual interest among its members. To learn more about the NEPC Produce & Floral Expo and NEPC, visit www.newenglandproduce.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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