WASHINGTON, D.C. – The application period is now open for the 21st class of the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program. Thanks to the generous support of our founding sponsor DuPont Crop Protection, United Fresh members have had the opportunity to take part in this unique experience dedicated to developing future leaders of the industry. Since it was first launched in 1995, over 200 industry members have graduated from this exclusive program.
“We are incredibly indebted to DuPont for their steadfast support and the investment they have made in the produce industry,” said Tom Stenzel, president and CEO of United Fresh Produce Association. “We are so proud of the many graduates of this program and the work they’ve done to drive our industry forward.”
The United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program is the only ongoing, fully paid leadership program for the produce industry. Each year, twelve fellows are selected to participate in the program which is developed around four fundamental goals: leadership development; business relationships; government and public affairs; and media and public relations.
During the year-long fellowship, participants will take part in a series of customized trips including face-to-face meetings, hands-on training with top industry experts and educators, interactive experiences with influential leaders in Washington and more. The Fellows of Class 21 will participate in four trips, with the class graduating at the 2016 United Fresh Convention in Chicago.
“As a graduate of the Leadership Program, I can personally attest to the value it brings not only to the participants, but also to the produce industry at large,” said United Immediate Past Chairman Ron Midyett, CEO of Apio Inc. “I highly encourage anyone looking to advance their leadership skills to apply for this unique opportunity.”
Participation in the program is limited to 12 fellows who are selected by an Advisory Committee. The fellows are chosen from a broad cross-section of the industry to
represent the breadth of the United Fresh membership. Candidates interested in applying for the 21st class can download an application at unitedfresh.org/leadership. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2015.
Eligibility to participate in the program is limited to representatives of United Fresh member companies, and all candidates must have the support of their companies to participate. There is no cost to participate in the program. All regular expenses are covered by the program. For more information, visit unitedfresh.org/leadership or contact Jessica Mosley, United Fresh Director of Education, at jmosley@unitedfresh.org or 202-303-3417.
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Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.
Source: United Fresh Produce Association