WASHINGTON, D.C. – This fall’s Washington Public Policy Conference will welcome the winners of the 2011 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Program. Presented by the United Fresh Foundation, the program recognizes up to four family-owned United Fresh member businesses with complimentary airfare, hotel and registration to attend the association’s annual public policy summit, October 3-5 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.
“Through the Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship, United Fresh members in family-owned businesses have the opportunity to see how the decisions made in Washington affect businesses of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds, throughout the produce industry,” said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel. “Family businesses stand to gain so much by getting involved here in Washington, and it is so important that they have the ability to come to Capitol Hill, meet with legislators and administration officials and make their views known.”
The Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Program was established in 2001 through a generous grant from Frieda's, Inc. by Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins in honor of their mother, Frieda. The program is designed to increase family business' involvement in government relations and produce industry advocacy.
“There really is nothing like the power of grassroots involvement here in Washington, and this program enables members of family businesses to experience that camaraderie and coordinated commitment to the issues that affect our industry," said Victoria Backer, United Fresh senior vice president of member services, foundation. "This program is a perfect opportunity for first-timers to Washington to become engaged in the political process with the support of hundreds of other industry members. We strongly encourage anyone who is involved with a family business to apply."
Applications are now being accepted for the program, and more information is available at http://www.unitedfresh.org/programs/frieda_rapoport_caplan_scholarship. Applicants must complete an application and written submission detailing why they want to attend the Washington Public Policy Conference and what they hope to gain from the experience. Applicants must be employed by a family business that is a United Fresh member company in good standing. All applications must be received by July 15. Applications should be sent to the United Fresh Foundation, attention Victoria Backer via email to vbacker@unitedfresh.org; fax to 202-303-3433; or mail to United Fresh Foundation, 1901 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC, 20006.
For more information about the scholarship program, contact Backer at 202-303-3400 ext. 408 or vbacker@unitedfresh.org, and for more information about the Washington Public Policy Conference, contact United’s Angela Tiwari at 202-303-3400 ext. 416 or atiwari@unitedfresh.org.
Founded in 1998, the United Fresh Produce Association Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization committed to meeting the public’s needs for an abundant supply of healthy, safe and affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. The Foundation is dedicated to increasing the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables to children as a critical step in combating childhood obesity and launching a lifetime of healthy choices. To assist industry members in meeting these goals, the Foundation offers educational programs, leadership development, public outreach, and industry training through four different Centers — Center for Leadership Excellence, Center for Nutrition and Health, Center for Food Safety and Quality, and Center for Global Produce Sustainability. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.
Source: United Fresh Produce Association Foundation