From the Produce Marketing Association:
Jacksonville, Florida – Recently Produce Marketing Association (PMA) volunteer leaders from around the globe convened in Jacksonville, Florida, to continue strategic discussions about global trade, marketing activities, and opportunities for future growth via member value and engagement as part of the semi-annual PMA and PMA Foundation for Industry Talent Board of Directors meetings May 31-June 4.
The group discussed PMA Issues Leadership activities on matters impacting the industry such as global trade, food safety, and demand creation activities (which include the eat brighter!™ movement, the recently launched FNV initiative, and the ‘Pick Bright. Feel Bright.’ program developed by PMA’s Australia-New Zealand affiliate). PMA Vice President of Global Business Development Richard Owen joined Cornerstone Government Affairs Group Partner and PMA’s Representative in Washington, D.C., Hunt Shipman, to detail key issues like the global trade agreements currently under negotiation, including the U.S. Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
“PMA has the opportunity to provide a global lens on best practices on a number of levels,” said Kevin Fiori, vice president of sales and marketing at Sunkist Growers and PMA Chairman of the board. “Whether it’s helping you export product into various countries and knowing what the requirements are, and even connecting you to customers and shippers – the association’s focus on key issues like trade can help members grow their business opportunities.”
Mary Shelman, director of the Agribusiness Program at Harvard Business School, a renowned institution responsible for pioneering the term ‘agribusiness,’ joined the group to discuss Harvard Business School’s produce and retail case studies, industry opportunities and future trends for the produce and floral industries.
The PMA Foundation Board of Directors, Fundraising Committee and Talent Development Committee also met in Jacksonville to discuss talent development trends and opportunities and the evolution of the charitable organization’s strategic plan.
“The June meetings of the PMA Foundation Talent Development and Fundraising Committees as well as PMA Foundation Board of Directors centered on listening to, learning about and contemplating issues that will drive our upcoming strategic planning process. It will inform the 10th Anniversary of PMA Foundation in 2016 and our future programs and services,” said Dick Spezzano, president of Spezzano Consulting Service and chair of the PMA Foundation for Industry Talent’s Board of Directors.