2012 Family Business Scholarship Winners Ready For Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United Fresh Foundation Center for Leadership Excellence is pleased to announce the four recipients of the 2012 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarships: Martha Montoya, Los Kitos, Orange, California; Daniel Mueller, Volm Companies, Idaho Falls, Idaho; T.J. Edward Rahll, Jr., Edward G. Rahll & Sons, Inc., Jessup, Maryland; and Kurt Schuster, Val Verde Vegetable Co., Inc., McAllen, Texas.

Now in its twelfth year, the scholarship program provides the opportunity for employees of family-owned businesses to attend the annual United Fresh Washington Public Policy Conference. Each of the four scholarship recipients will receive complimentary airfare, hotel and registration to attend the conference, October 1-3, in Washington, DC.

Applications for the scholarship were solicited this summer and winners were selected by a review committee based on a number of criteria such as interest in advocacy work, commitment to the industry, and overall application quality.

“The Washington Public Policy Conference is a key platform to connect with important political leaders and helps ensure the voice of the produce industry is heard by our nation’s decision makers,” said United Fresh Foundation Chairman Steve Grinstead of PRO*ACT. “We look forward to welcoming our four scholarship recipients to DC to engage in this important grassroots event.  Their presence is certain to help us leave a positive imprint in Washington.”

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 to expand opportunities for representatives from family businesses to attend the Washington Public Policy Conference and help make a difference for the produce industry. The Foundation accepts new applications for the program each summer.

“We are extremely appreciative to the Caplan family for their leadership and generosity in providing this opportunity for family businesses,” said Victoria Backer, United Fresh senior vice president of member services, foundation. “This program helps illuminate the importance of being involved in the political process and ensures the interests of our family business members are brought forward.”

For more information on the scholarship program or on the Washington Public Policy Conference, please visit www.unitedfresh.org, or contact United Fresh at 202-303-3400.

Established in 1998, the United Fresh 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.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.

Source: United Fresh Foundation