Inaugural Retreat Provides Advanced Training for Members

Washington, D.C. - The United Fresh Leadership Alumni Organization, which includes graduates of the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program from 1995-2007, held their first business retreat in Las Vegas, Nevada last week.

The retreat kicked off on Tuesday afternoon with an in-depth program on how to effectively manage the challenges of change. Attendees took part in working groups that explored the impact that change has on individuals and organizations. Facilitator Pat Thornton, president of Change Resources Group, shared tools on how leaders can best move their businesses forward and regain team productivity and morale during times of transition.

On Wednesday, the course studied advanced notions of leadership and examined the top traits of extraordinary leaders in a thought-provoking session led by Julie Krivanek, president of Krivanek Consulting. The alumni also took part in a peer-to-peer executive coaching session to examine real life leadership dilemmas.

The Leadership Alumni Organization was established as an opportunity for graduates of the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program to continue enhancing their leadership skills and give back to the industry. The organization also provides opportunities for graduates from the different classes to learn from and network with each other. Membership is dues based and any graduate of the Produce Industry Leadership Program is eligible to join.

"The United Fresh Leadership Program is a tremendous program that provides the foundation for a lifetime of leadership development," said Alumni Organization Chairman of the Board, Sheri Mierau, president of California Tree Fruit Agreement. "For many of us, it is the first, big step in a life-long journey of learning, and the Alumni Organization is a great opportunity for the graduates of that program to stay connected, give back, and ensure our leadership skills are current."

The Leadership Alumni Organization is led by a nine-member Board of Directors: Sheri Mierau, Chairman, California Tree Fruit Agreement (Class 1997); Chris Puentes, Past Chairman, Interfresh, Inc. (Class 2003); John Baillie, Incoming Chairman, Baillie Family Farms (Class 2000); Phil Herbig, WES Pak Sales, Inc. (Class 2003); Dan'l Mackey-Almy, DMA Solutions, Inc. (Class 1998); Larry Meuers; Meuers Law Firm, P.L. (Class 2001); Lee Anne Oxford, L & M Companies (Class 1996); Kori Tuggle, Ocean Mist Farms (Class 2003); and Jon Zaninovich, Jasmine Vineyards, Inc. (Class 1997).

For more information about United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program, the Leadership Alumni Organization or the retreat, please contact Victoria Backer, senior vice president of member services, at vbacker@unitedfresh.org.