Member Alert

The United Fresh Research & Education Foundation has opened the application period for the 14^th annual class of the Produce Industry Leadership Program. Made possible through a generous grant from DuPont Crop Protection, the program is a special opportunity for United Fresh members to advance their leadership skills and knowledge.

Launched in 1995, the Leadership Program is designed to provide young industry leaders with the tools they need to succeed. The program is developed around four fundamental goals: Leadership Development; Business Relationships; Government & Public Affairs; and Media & Public Relations. The program, which is the only ongoing, fully paid national leadership program for the produce industry, includes a series of customized trips through the year. Participants will take part in face-to-face meetings with leading industry players, train with top industry experts and educators, including a specially designed curriculum at UC Davis, interact with influential leaders in Washington, DC, and much more.

This year's 2008-2009 schedule will include trips to Central/Northern California, June 8-13, Washington, DC/ Wilmington, DE, September 9-15 and Southern Florida, February 18-21, 2009. The class will also convene for their graduation ceremony at the 2009 United Fresh Convention.

"The leadership program is more than a stepping stone - it's a launching pad. From professional skills development to broad industry exposure, this program lays a strong foundation for a successful career in produce." -Kaari Stannard, President, New York Apple Sales, Inc. (Leadership Class 12)

Participation in the program is limited to 12 individuals, selected by an Advisory Committee of United Fresh members. Individuals are chosen from a broad cross section of the industry to represent the breadth of the United Fresh membership. Since the program’s inception, more than 150 industry members have participated. United Fresh Board member and Class 3 program alumnus, Ashley Rawl, Walter P. Rawl & Sons, Inc. will serve as the Chairman of the 2008 Advisory Committee.

Candidates interested in applying for the program can download information and an application from United Fresh’s website. The deadline for applications is March 17, 2008. The Leadership Program is an exclusive program for United Fresh members only. For more information, contact Victoria Backer, United Fresh senior vice president member services and United Foundation, at vbacker@unitedfresh.org or (202) 303-3408.