This year, more than 640 member-volunteers shared their knowledge, time and talents to help the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and Center for Growing Talent (CGT) achieve their respective visions to grow a healthier world and help the produce and floral industry attract, develop and retain talent.
Since April is National Volunteer Month in the United States and Canada, and Volunteer Week is April 7-13 this year, PMA and CGT are recognizing, applauding and thanking these volunteers for their dedication and commitment.
Led by PMA Board of Directors Chair David Marguelis, executive vice president, Sun World International, LLC, and CGT Board of Directors Chair Marty Craner, CEO at B&C Fresh Sales, these volunteer leaders donate thousands of hours sharing their diverse insights and perspectives on more than 20 standing committees, councils and boards as well as short-term task forces. Volunteers say they’re working together to address industry issues, support the work of PMA and CGT, network with peers and to learn from peers and PMA/CGT staff.
“PMA is blessed to have a strong roster of volunteers from across the global produce and floral communities that help drive the association forward,” said Cathy Burns, PMA CEO. “It is an incredible privilege to collaborate with them on issues ranging from produce safety to increasing produce and floral consumption to sustainability to industry talent. Through their professional and personal investments of time, talents and energy, together we will achieve our vision to grow a healthier world.”
While what motivates and inspires each volunteer is different, their collective purpose is to help PMA and CGT overcome challenges and seize opportunities to advance the produce and floral industry.
“Thanks to the vision and generosity of our volunteers, all of whom are leaders in the produce and floral industry, the Center for Growing Talent is able to attract and develop the talent that our industry will need to thrive for generations to come,” said Doug Bohr, executive director of Center for Growing Talent. “Thought leaders. Role models. Mentors. Contributors. Our volunteers support the Center’s initiatives such as Career Pathways and Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference, in many ways. We are grateful for all they do, in equally meaningful ways, to ensure that the Center continues to serve our industry.”
This year the leaders support the association by:
- Providing input on block chain solutions to facilitate fresh produce production and trade.
- Exploring transportation options and box standardization for the floral supply chain.
- Providing input on trade, entry to markets, packaging trends and innovations.
- Amplifying the industry’s voice in global conversations like those at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, USA.
- Enhancing member engagement and access to resources and insights through digital communities.
CGT volunteer leaders help the charitable organization by:
- Serving as Career Pathways ambassadors.
- Participating in leadership development initiatives such as Emerging Leaders Program.
- Contributing to the Industry Talent Fund.
PMA and CGT volunteer leaders hail from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States.
For more information:
Cassidy Taylor
Produce Marketing Association
Tel: +1 (302) 781-5852
ctaylor@pma.com
https://www.pma.com/