March Madness Host Greg Gumbel To Speak At United Fresh 2014 In Chicago

WASHINGTON, DC – CBS Sports announcer Greg Gumbel will be the keynote speaker at the Thursday breakfast general session during United Fresh 2014, June 10-13. Gumbel is currently hosting his 17th season of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament, better known as “March Madness.”

Gumbel has had a front-row seat at the nation’s most important sports events throughout his 40+ year career. From hosting the CBS Emmy award-winning show The NFL Today to announcing events from Super Bowls to the Olympics, Gumbel has become one of the best known and respected announcers in sports television.

“We’re excited that Greg Gumbel will share how experiences from the sports world can provide insights for the business world,” said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel. “As I’m watching March Madness this year and the amazing number of upsets, I’m anxious to hear from Greg what he sees as the keys to teams being able to rise above expectations. How does Mercer beat Duke (busting my bracket on Day 1)?  How does Stephen F. Austin beat VCU on a 4-point play with seconds to go?  And, how do some coaches bring strong teams forward year after year, even with different kids at different schools?  Greg Gumbel has been watching teams and individuals elevate to their peak performance for 40 years, and I can’t wait to learn how he evaluates their secrets of success,” Stenzel said.

Gumbel was born in New Orleans, and grew up in Chicago before graduating from Loras College in Dubuque, IA. He is a member of the Loras College Board of Regents, and also served for 12 years on the Board of Trustees of the March of Dimes, and is currently serving as an adviser to the President of the March of Dimes. He is also on the St. Jude Childrens Hospital Sports Council. He is currently on the St. Jude Childrens Hospital Sports Council. In 2007, Gumbel was honored with the Pat Summerall award, recognizing his work in sports journalism and his efforts to make a difference in the lives of those he has touched.

The Thursday, June 12 Breakfast General Session will be held from 7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. in the Vista Ballroom at the McCormick Place Convention Center. Participation in the keynote session is available only to those attendees who have purchased United's educational package. United appreciates the support of Crunch Pak Sliced Apples as sponsor of this Breakfast General Session.

United Fresh 2014 and FMI will offer executives unprecedented value in the opportunity to connect with customers and industry counterparts. The convention offers more than 900 exhibiting companies in 800,000 square feet of exhibits, more than 100 hours of educational programming, and extensive networking opportunities with more than 15,000 retail and produce attendees. Learn more about registration for United Fresh 2014 by visiting the show website at www.unitedfreshshow.org.

Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.

Source: United Fresh Produce Association