Apply Today!  Applications now being accepted for the 2008 Family Business Scholarship Program!

The Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Program was established to expand opportunities for representatives from family businesses to attend United Fresh's Washington Public Policy Conference, the produce industry's premier political advocacy event. This annual conference brings together produce leaders from all sectors of the industry to interact personally and share ideas with Administration officials, Congressional leaders, and industry colleagues.

The program was established in 2001 by Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins, Frieda's, Inc. and is presented through the United Research & Education Foundation. Each year up to four scholarships are awarded for employees of United Fresh member, family-owned businesses, to attend the Washington Public Policy Conference.

Interested in applying?  If you are an employee of a family-owned, United Fresh member company, you are eligible to apply.  United Fresh is taking applications for the 2008 program now.  Download your application today and send it in by the July 28, 2008 deadline.  Recipients who are selected for the scholarships will receive complimentary airfare, hotel, and registration to attend the Washington Public Policy Conference.

For more information about the Scholarship Program, please contact Beth Berman.

2007 Family Business Scholarship Winners

Foundation Boad Member, Steve Ottum, Potandon Produce, LLC congratuates 2007 scholarship recipients, Milas Russell III, Sandstone Marketing, Inc.; Kristine Zerr, Domex Superfresh Growers; Sam Stewart, Wes Pak Sales, Inc.; Milton Voss, Pero Vegetable  LLC.

"Attending the Washington Public Policy Conference was truly an amazing experience that opened my eyes to a whole new element of the produce industry! As a food safety professional, I was unsure how relevant my experiences would be in Washington, but I quickly found out that this is a conference for the entire produce industry. I left Washington with a whole new perspective about the importance of being involved at all levels. This is definitely a conference that I will continue to attend." - Kari Valdés, Mills Family Farms, 2006 Scholarship Recipient

Scholarship 2005 recipient Fred Recchiuti (second from left) is congratulated by United Fresh President & CEO Tom Stenzel, Frieda’s, Inc. President & CEO Karen Caplan and Apio, Inc. CEO Nick Tompkins.

Washington Public Policy Conference, September 10-12, 2008