Scholarship recipients are selected by an advisory committee and will receive complimentary airfare, hotel and registration to attend the conference, September 9-11 at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington. The annual Washington Public Policy Conference brings together hundreds of produce leaders from all sectors of the industry to interact personally and share ideas with Administration officials, congressional leaders, and industry colleagues.

"This scholarship program really opened my eyes to how critical it is for the produce industry to get involved and have a strong voice in Washington," said Gahl Crane, Prime Produce International and 2008 scholarship recipient. "It's one thing to talk about issues impacting your business, but it’s an entirely different game to meet with your members of congress to make sure your views are being heard."

The Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Program was established in 2001 through a generous grant from Frieda's, Inc. by Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins in honor of their mother, Frieda. The program is administered through the United Fresh Research & Education Foundation and designed to increase involvement from family businesses in government relations and produce industry advocacy. 

"For the last eight years, this program has provided a tremendous opportunity for members of family businesses to see first-hand the power of grassroots involvement, thanks to the generous support of Karen and Jackie," said Victoria Backer, United Fresh senior vice president of member services, foundation. "This scholarship provides the perfect introduction to the political arena and I strongly encourage anyone who is involved with a family business to apply for this year's program."

To apply for a 2009 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship, participants must complete an application form and written submission detailing why they want to attend the WPPC and what they hope to gain from the experience. The application can be downloaded from United Fresh's website and must be received by July 24.

Applications should be sent to the United Fresh Research & Education Foundation, attention Julie Jacocks. Applications can be e-mailed to jjacocks@unitedfresh.org, faxed to 202-303-3433, or mailed to United Fresh Foundation, 1901 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC, 20006. 

For more information about the scholarship program, please contact Victoriaat 202-303-3400 ext. 408, and for more information about WPPC, or to register, contact Angela Bezonat, 202-303-3400 ext. 416.