Lorri Koster, co-chairman of Mann Packing Company, will be the guest speaker at the United Fresh Produce Association’s 2010 Reception Honoring Women in Produce, Wednesday, April 21 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.         

Held each year in conjunction with the United Fresh annual convention, the Reception Honoring Women in Produce recognizes all women working in the produce industry, and selects one individual to share their personal experience of service. From nominations submitted by United Fresh members across the industry, each year’s speaker is selected by a committee of her peers, including honorees from the past 15 years.

          "Lorri is one of those progress-drivers in the produce industry," said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel. "In addition to building a stalwart career within her own company, her commitment to leadership on the local and national level has benefitted our entire industry. She has also had to endure the heart-breaking loss of her brother Joe and father Don, yet persevered as a rock for her family and the entire Mann Packing family. One of the highlights of this reception each year is hearing the personal story of an outstanding leader in our industry, and I can’t imagine a more deserving choice than Lorri."

          The third generation of her family to work in agriculture, Koster began her career in 1990, directing Salinas, Calif.-based Mann Packing Company’s communications and marketing efforts. After a decade with Mann, she joined ProduceOnline.com as vice president of marketing, followed by a post as associate publisher with Produce Business magazine. She also became publisher and editorial director of Coastal Grower magazine, a responsibility she continues today. Koster rejoined Mann in 2006 as the company’s co-chairman and to lead its marketing and business development efforts.

"This is a tremendous honor from United Fresh. I’m humbled by the recognition and look forward to sharing my passion for this industry with attendees at the reception. It’s a great time to be in the produce industry. We’ve got a lot of momentum on our side in Washington, D.C. I intend to do my part to keep it going."

          Koster has led the produce industry from many positions of responsibility, including a term as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Fresh Cut Produce Association, where she held the distinction of becoming the first woman to chair a national U.S. produce trade association. In 2005, she was named one of the industry’s top 40 produce professionals under the age of 40 by Produce Business.  She now serves as Chairman of the Grower Shipper Association of Central California, and as a member of the United Fresh Board of Directors. She also serves on the boards of the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, Produce Marketing Association’s Foundation for Industry Talent. Locally, Koster serves as a trustee at the Panetta Institute for Public Policy.  

          Koster holds a Bachelor’s degree in public relations from California State University, Chico and resides in Salinas, Calif., with her husband Tom and sons Jack and Sam.

          The annual Reception Honoring Women in Produce has established itself as one of the most popular networking events at the association’s annual convention. This year’s event will be held Wednesday, April 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the Delfino Ballroom of the Sands Expo & Convention Center. Tickets are required for the event, as either part of the All-Access Convention package registration, or can be purchased onsite for $50.

Past honorees have included:

• Tonya Antle, Earthbound Farm
• Frieda Rapoport Caplan, Frieda’s, Inc.
• Margaret D’Arrigo, D’Arrigo Brothers of California
• Jan DeLyser, California Avocado Commission
• Jan Fleming, Strube Celery & Vegetable  Company
• Janice Honigberg, Sun Belle, Inc.
• Kathleen Nave, California Table Grape Commission
• Dr. Martha Rhodes-Roberts, Florida Commissioner’s Office for Food Safety
• Heather Shavey, Costco Wholesale
• Steffanie Smith, River Point Farms LLC
• Rosemary Talley, Talley Farms
• Jenny Tenney, The Kroger Company