Nogales, AZ—The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) is putting the final touches on its 46th Produce Convention and Golf Tournament. The Convention will be held October 30 – November 1, 2014 in Tubac, Arizona, located just north of the largest port of entry for fresh fruits and vegetables from Mexico.
“We are really excited about this year’s event. In addition to Bruce McEvoy of Seald Sweet, we also have former Arizona Congressman Jim Kolbe to round out the educational component,” says FPAA president, Lance Jungmeyer. “Of course with our fantastic weather and our concentration of produce companies for people to network with, the FPAA Produce Convention has been a must on everyone’s calendar for many years.”
The FPAA Convention kicks off on Thursday, Oct. 30, with the afternoon educational opportunities including:
Building a Global Produce Empire
During his tenure as President and CEO of Seald Sweet, Bruce McEvoy helped transform the citrus cooperative into a global entity, with a series of deals culminating in a merger with Belgium-based UNIVEG Group, resulting in a company with approximately $4 billion in annual sales today. McEvoy, now Director of Global Affairs for Seald Sweet / UNIVEG, will focus on market access issues that are a critical component in global sourcing. In turn this experience will offer some simple steps to help you build your own global sourcing strategy.
How does Arizona Succeed in the Future with Trade and Mexico
Jim Kolbe, Senior Transatlantic Fellow for the German Marshall Fund and former Arizona Congressman, will reflect on his time in Washington, DC, and present his vision for how Arizona will succeed in the future with trade and Mexico.
The opening evening takes full advantage of the spectacular weather and networking opportunities. Set in the cozy, inviting Plaza at the Tubac Resort, participants have the opportunity to meet with old friends, make new business relationships, and discuss the Mexican produce season.
The FPAA’s Golf Tournament kicks off on Friday morning, and the FPAA Convention Committee has designed a fun, two-day golf event where players can pick their own partner and win great prizes. New this year, golfers will have 4 chances to win a car in hole-in-one contests over the 2-day event!
Back by popular demand, the FPAA will be offering helicopter rides from 2 – 5pm on Friday, Oct. 31, starting on the putting green at Tubac Golf Resort and Spa, down produce row, to the border and back.
The Gala Event and “Pillars of the FPAA” Award Ceremony being will be held on Friday, Oct. 31. In its fifth year, the coveted “Pillars of the FPAA” award honorees will be recognized during the Friday evening dinner, dancing and networking event. The “Pillars of the FPAA” award recognizes excellence and service to the FPAA and honors individuals who have excelled in the industry. The award highlights members’ accomplishments in the industry. Last year former FPAA Executive Director Bob Hathaway was honored as the Pillar of the FPAA.
“We strive to give everyone a great backdrop as they interact with their clients, suppliers, and friends in the industry. The produce business is very much based on relationships, and this is the event to nurture those relationships,” says Jungmeyer.
The FPAA Convention will be held at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, which is located a few miles north of Nogales, Arizona. Tubac is also conveniently located just 45 minutes south of the Tucson International Airport. Companies interested in registering for the event or that have more questions are encouraged to contact the FPAA office at (520) 287-2707 or to visit the convention website at: http://www.freshfrommexico.com/view.php?pg=6
Source: Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
