United Fresh Foundation Names 2013 Family Business Scholarship Recipients

WASHINGTON, DC – The United Fresh Foundation is pleased to announce the four recipients of the 2013 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarships: Bridget Bengard, Bengard Ranch Inc., Salinas, CA; Dan Henry, W. D. Henry & Sons, Eden, NY; Robert Holthouse, Holthouse Farms of Ohio Inc., Willard, OH; and Kimball Redd, Muir Copper Canyon Farms, Salt Lake City, UT.

Now in its thirteenth year, the Frieda Rapoport Caplan Business Scholarship Program provides the opportunity for representatives from family-owned businesses the opportunity to attend the United Fresh Washington Public Policy Conference. The four scholarship recipients will receive complimentary airfare, hotel and registration to participate in the conference, September 30 – October 2.

The Washington Public Policy Conference brings together produce leaders from all sectors of the industry to learn from each other and share ideas with Congressional leaders, their staff and top regulatory officials. Scholarship recipients will have an opportunity to network with hundreds of produce industry executives from across the country, as well as gain an understanding of the political process and how to advocate for their interests.

“The Washington Public Policy Conference is the time when key political leaders in DC hear what’s most important to our produce members,” said United Fresh Foundation Chairman Steve Grinstead, Grinstead Enterprises. “We look forward to the four scholarship recipients engaging in this grassroots event and sharing their perspectives.”

The Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Program is made possible through a generous grant from Frieda’s, Inc. to the United Fresh Foundation. The program was founded in 2001 by sisters Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins, in honor of their mother, Frieda Rapoport Caplan, to expand opportunities for representatives from family businesses to attend the Washington Public Policy Conference. Each year, applicants for the program are reviewed by the scholarship committee, based on a number of criteria including the candidate’s interest in advocacy work and commitment to the produce industry. New applications for the program are accepted each summer.

“We are incredibly thankful for the generous contribution and leadership provided by the Caplan family through this program to ensure that family-owned businesses in our industry have a strong voice,” said Victoria Backer, United Fresh senior vice president of member services, foundation. “This program brings family business members to the epicenter of policy decision-making in DC and equips them with tools to advocate for the issues directly impacting family businesses in the produce industry.”

For more information on the Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Program, click here; for more information about the Washington Public Policy Conference website or contact United Fresh at 202-303-3400.

Founded in 1998, the United Fresh Produce Association Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization committed to meeting the public’s needs for an abundant supply of healthy, safe and affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. The Foundation is dedicated to increasing the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables to children as a critical step in combating childhood obesity and launching a lifetime of healthy choices. To assist industry members in meeting these goals, the Foundation offers educational programs, leadership development, public outreach, and industry training through four different Centers — Center for Leadership Excellence, Center for Nutrition and Health, Center for Food Safety and Quality, and Center for Global Produce Sustainability. For more information, visit www.unitedfreshfoundation.org or call 202-303-3400.

Source: United Fresh Produce Association Foundation