Melissa Sylte Named 2015 Honoree For 40 Under 40 In PRODUCE BUSINESS
June 22, 2015 | 2 min to read
Bancroft, Wis. — Melissa Sylte, marketing manager at RPE Inc., has been named as a 2015 honoree of Produce Business Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Awards. The 40 Under 40 program recognizes leaders in the produce industry who are under the age of 40 and are making significant industry and community contributions.
The honorees are being featured in the June print issue and website of Produce Business.
Sylte completed her undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin, and gained valuable marketing experience owning her own agribusiness while still a student, and then serving as a development director of a regional non-profit organization and as an assistant director of marketing at Indiana University in her professional career.
In her current role as marketing manager at RPE Inc., Sylte has worked hard to create a professional internal marketing department for the company and its partners, successfully launched multiple consumer brands, and has planned and executed successful integrated marketing campaigns to support and sell those brands. Additionally, Sylte has helped develop strong internship and community outreach programs to further enhance the company’s marketing efforts.
Outside of the company, Sylte is involved with the Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association and has been a co-chair of the Rally to Fight Hunger and the Day of Service for Wisconsin FFA members for the past six years. She also serves on the development committee of her local public museum and has been a volunteer for ThedaCare Foundation’s annual fund drive since 2010, serving as the chair since 2014.
Sylte’s recognition comes just six months after her brother and RPE Inc., senior agronomist Michael Copas was awarded a 40 Under 40 award from Vance Publishing for his work in agricultural research at RPE Inc.
“We are thrilled to have these individuals as a part of our RPE family,” says Russell Wysocki, president and CEO or RPE. “Our organization continues to grow and it is our goal to seek out talented individuals for every aspect of our organization, allowing us to continue to be the expert for category growth, innovation, and product development for potatoes and onions.”
RPE, a second generation family farm, is a category leader and key grower/shipper of year-round potatoes and onions. RPE prides itself on maintaining a high level of business integrity that includes commitments to environmental sustainability, as well as category innovation and retail solutions.
Source: RPE