WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) will keynote this year’s Washington Conference Lunch on Tuesday, September 13 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill.
Thom is committed to the produce industry’s main issues, child nutrition, immigration reform and fair trade. He serves as a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry which has jurisdiction over all matters relating to the nation's agriculture industry, farming programs, and legislation relating to nutrition and health, as well as the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Specialty Crops, and Agricultural Research that directly focuses on our issues.
In the specific case of immigration reform, of which the senator is committed to pursuing efforts to help producers secure a skilled legal workforce, he serves on the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, who has jurisdiction over matters relating to human rights and immigration law.
While immigration reform has been a frustrating issue for the fresh produce industry, there are real efforts underway in Congress to show bi-partisan support for reforms to the current H-2A program, efforts in which Tillis is on the forefront. Since 2012, there has been a 50 percent increase in utilizing this program across the country and expectations of up to 20 percent each year for the foreseeable future.
Fueled by a desire to make a difference in his local community, Thom’s involvement in public service began by serving as the PTA president of his daughter’s high school and as a member of the Town of Cornelius Board of Commissioners. In 2006, he was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives and was selected by his peers to serve as Speaker of the House from 2011 to 2014. As Speaker, Thom played an instrumental role in enacting job-creating policies and reforming North Carolina’s tax and regulatory codes.
This year’s Washington Conference will bring attendees face-to-face with key members of Congress, their staff and top regulatory officials. The conference also features the Rising Leaders Program for up-and-coming industry employees. To register, visit: http://www.unitedfresh.org/events-programs/the-washington-conference/.
For more information about The Washington Conference, September 12-14, contact Angela Tiwari at 202-303-3416.
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About United Fresh Produce Association
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association brings together companies across every segment of the fresh produce supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. We empower industry leaders to shape sound government policy. We deliver the resources and expertise companies need to succeed in managing complex business and technical issues. We provide the training and development individuals need to advance their careers in produce. Through these endeavors, we unite out industry with a common purpose – to build long-term value for our members and grow produce consumption. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org
Source: United Fresh Produce Association
