For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Amy Philpott, 202-303-3400 ext. 425, aphilpott@unitedfresh.org

Washington, D.C. - The United Fresh Research & Education Foundation has named the four recipients of the 2008 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarships.  The 2008 scholarship recipients include: Kenneth Crabtree, Pacific Coast Fruit Co., Portland, Oregon; Gahl Crane, Prime Produce International, LLC, Orange, California; Jose Garcia, Rene Produce, LLC, Nogales, Arizona; and Tracie Levin, M. Levin and Co., Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
 
The scholarship program provides the opportunity for employees of family-owned businesses to attend the annual United Fresh Washington Public Policy Conference (WPPC) in Washington, DC.  The Scholarship Advisory Committee reviewed applications from many different geographic regions and industry segments.  Winners were selected based on a number of criteria such as interest in advocacy work, commitment to the produce industry and overall quality of the application.
 
“Family-owned businesses play a special role in our industry and it is important that they have the opportunity to get involved. This program provides that opportunity and allows members of family businesses to broaden their understanding of produce industry advocacy," said Stephen Griffin, Misionero Vegetables, chairman of the United Fresh Foundation Board of Directors. "We'd like to extend our congratulations to the winners and thank everyone who applied.”
 
Each recipient will receive complimentary airfare, hotel, and registration to this year’s Washington Public Policy Conference that will take place September 10-12, 2008 at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. 
 
"This program could not be possible without the great support of the Caplan family," said Victoria Backer, senior vice president, member services, foundation. "They have created a tremendous opportunity for family businesses and we encourage all of our family business members to consider having their employees apply for next year's program."
 
Established in 2001, the scholarship program is made possible through a generous grant from Frieda’s, Inc. to the United Fresh Research & Education Foundation.  The program was founded by Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins to expand opportunities for representatives from family businesses to attend the Washington Public Policy Conference and help make a positive difference for the produce industry.  The Foundation accepts new applications for the program each summer.