Newark, Del. — This year, more than 640 member-volunteers shared their knowledge, time and talents to help Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and Center for Growing Talent (CGT) achieve their respective visions to grow a healthier world and help the produce and floral industry attract, develop, and retain talent.
Since April is National Volunteer Month in the United States and Canada, and Volunteer Week is April 7-13 this year, PMA and CGT are taking the opportunity to recognize, applaud, and thank these volunteers for their dedication and commitment.
Led by PMA Board of Directors Chair David Marguelis, executive vice president, Sun World International, LLC, and CGT Board of Directors Chair Marty Craner, CEO at B & C Fresh Sales, this group of volunteer leaders donates thousands of hours and shares their diverse insights and perspectives serving on more than 20 standing committees, councils, and boards as well as short-term task forces.
They cite four primary reasons for volunteering: to work together to address industry issues, support the work of PMA and CGT, network with peers, and to learn from peers and PMA/CGT staff.
Volunteers report that they develop lasting relationships with colleagues across the supply chain, raise their individual and company profiles, and learn from diverse peers. Their efforts help build an interconnected community of people, resources, and ideas that move the global industry forward.
“PMA is blessed to have a strong roster of volunteers from across the global produce and floral communities that help drive the association forward,” said Cathy Burns, PMA CEO. “It is an incredible privilege to collaborate with them on issues ranging from produce safety to increasing produce and floral consumption to sustainability to industry talent. Through their professional and personal investments of time, talents, and energy, together we will achieve our vision to grow a healthier world.”
While the why? may differ for what motivates and inspires each volunteer, their collective purpose is to help PMA and CGT overcome challenges and seize opportunities to advance the produce and floral industry. It’s a symbiotic relationship where individuals and the industry benefit in multiple ways.
“Thanks to the vision and generosity of our volunteers, all of whom are leaders in the produce and floral industry, the Center for Growing Talent is able to attract and develop the talent that our industry will need to thrive for generations to come,” said Doug Bohr, executive director of Center for Growing Talent. “Thought leaders. Role models. Mentors. Contributors. Our volunteers support the Center’s initiatives, such as Career Pathways and Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference, in many ways. We are grateful for all they do, in equally meaningful ways, to ensure that the Center continues to serve our industry.”
PMA volunteer leaders are supporting the association this year in many ways, including:
- providing input on blockchain solutions to facilitate fresh produce production and trade
- exploring transportation options and box standardization for the floral supply chain
- providing input on trade, entry to markets, packaging trends and innovations
- amplifying the industry’s voice in global conversations like those at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, USA
- enhancing member engagement and access to resources and insights through digital communities
CGT volunteer leaders are helping the charitable organization by:
- serving as Career Pathways ambassadors
- participating in leadership development initiatives such as Emerging Leaders Program
- contributing to the Industry Talent Fund
PMA and CGT volunteer leaders hail from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. Volunteer Week is observed at different times in many countries where PMA and CGT conduct business.
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About Produce Marketing Association
Produce Marketing Association is the leading trade association representing companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain. PMA helps members grow by providing connections that expand business opportunities and increase sales and consumption. For more information, visit pma.com.
About Center for Growing Talent
Center for Growing Talent was created by the produce and floral industry to grow the people across our industry. We help attract, develop and retain the talent needed to feed our industry’s growth, including educational programming and networking events. We offer a variety of industry-specific solutions across the career continuum, for university students, young professionals and women, emerging leaders, mid-level individuals and senior executives. For more information, visit centerforgrowingtalent.org.
