Washington, D.C. - Each year, 12 new candidates are selected to take part in the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program, a year-long program that teaches leadership skills to future industry leaders.United Fresh is pleased to announce the new members of the 14th Produce Industry Leadership Class:
Katy Blowers, Church Brothers, LLC
Salinas, CA
Ricardo Crisantes, Cris-P Produce Company, Inc.
Nogales, AZ
Maile Shanahan Geis, Buy California Marketing Agreement
Sacramento, CA
John Gurrisi R.E.H.S., Darden Restaurants
Orlando, FL
Robert Kirch, Caito Foods Service, Inc.
Indianapolis, IN
Amy Kunugi, Southern Colorado Farms
Center, CO
Justin Parnagian, Fowler Packing Company, Inc.
Fresno, CA
Todd Penza, Pinto Brothers, Inc.
Philadelphia, PA
Mark Shaw, Markon, Inc.
Salinas, CA
Tammy Sparkman, Wal-Mart Stores
Bentonville, AR
Brian Thure, River Ranch Fresh Foods, LLC
Salinas, CA
Michael Wise, Horton Fruit Company
Louisville, KY
Over the upcoming program year, the class members will participate in a number of trips focused on the core goals of the program: leadership development; business relationships; government and public affairs; and media and public communications. Throughout the program, the class also will take part in customized field and facility tours, train with expert educators, and meet with key industry leaders and innovators. The program begins in June with the first trip to Central/Northern California, followed by trips to Washington, DC/Wilmington, DE, Southern Florida, and Las Vegas, Nevada for the 2009 United Fresh convention.
"Selecting this year's class was an extremely challenging task," said Advisory Committee Chairman, United Fresh Board Member and leadership class 3 alumnus Ashley Rawl, Walter P. Rawl & Sons, Inc. "The quality of applications we receive for this program is outstanding, but makes the committee's job very difficult. We are very proud of the 12 exceptional candidates selected to this year's program and would like to extend our thanks to everyone who applied."
The United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program, now in its 14th year, is presented through the United Fresh Research & Education Foundation and sponsored by a generous grant from DuPont Crop Protection. The program has graduated more than 150 program participants since its inception in 1995.
"This program is an excellent opportunity for the participants to enhance their professional skills as well as expand their understanding of and exposure to the industry," said Victoria Backer, United Fresh senior vice president, member services, foundation. "We owe a great deal of thanks to DuPont for their investment in the future of our industry and their ongoing support of this program for the last 14 years."
To apply for the program, candidates must submit an application including two essays detailing why they would like to participate in the program and what they consider the most important challenges affecting the produce industry. The applications are reviewed by an Advisory Committee comprised of United Fresh Board members and leadership program alumni. Through the selection process, the committee is responsible for assessing each candidate based on their experience and expertise, as well as developing a class that is balanced and representative of the industry.
