Orlando, Fla. (April 12, 2010) – The National Mango Board (NMB) is currently accepting nominees for seven board member positions with terms beginning January 2011. Nominations will be accepted through May 11, 2010. The NMB is made up of mango importers, foreign producers and a first handler who dedicate themselves to the mission, goals and objectives of the NMB. These board members work closely with the NMB staff to carry out marketing, research and industry relations programs to benefit the mango industry.
The positions currently open for nominations include one importer in district II, two importers in district III, one importer in district IV and three foreign producers. All positions are for three year terms, except for the importer position in district II, which is for a one-year term. Candidates must meet certain requirements and be willing to serve the mango industry by fulfilling board member roles and responsibilities. A map of the U.S. divided into NMB importer districts is available at www.mango.org/nominations, along with details about the eligibility requirements for nominees.
The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) ultimately makes the appointments to the board from the final slate of nominees. For each importer position, two nominees will be forwarded to the Secretary. In order to narrow the field from many nominees to just two, the mango industry members in that district will vote to select the two nominees from which the Secretary will choose.
For the foreign producer positions, nominations are accepted either through the Foreign Mango Organizations (FMOs) or directly from eligible individuals. All nominations for these positions will be forwarded to the Secretary for a final decision on the appointments.
According to NMB executive director, William Watson, “Since the inception of the NMB, there has always been competition for these board member positions. Mango industry members are motivated to get involved, take a leadership role and help shape the programs.”
Mango industry members who are interested in serving as a member of the NMB should visit www.mango.org/nominations for complete details and the necessary forms. The deadline for nominations to be received at the NMB office is May 11, 2010. Questions about the nominations and appointment process can be directed to Marilda Peele at mpeele@mango.org or via phone at 407-629-7318 x106.
The NMB encourages industry members without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, size of business/operation, and marital or family status or other basis protected by U.S. law to participate in NMB activities and seek a position on the NMB.
Source: National Mango Board