Last year, the Eastern Produce Council established a Women’s Leadership Committee, and in conjunction, The New York Produce Show and Conference conducted its first Women’s Leadership Reception. At this year’s reception, the recipient of the annual Woman of Distinction Award was Theresa Nolan, founder, president and chief executive of The Nolan Network, a marketing agency based out of Plymouth, MA.
As Jim Prevor, editor-in-chief and chief executive of PRODUCE BUSINESS and the Perishable Pundit reported in the announcement of her recognition, “For almost 30 years, she has shepherded her own successful business, being one of the first in the industry to establish a national network focused on enhancing merchandising techniques at retail. In so doing, she became a crucial connector between companies and organizations that wanted to increase produce sales and the retail community.”
Paul Kneeland, vice president of Produce/Floral/Seafood/Meat at Parsippany, NJ-based Kings Food Markets told PerishableNews.com, “Theresa’s contribution to the produce industry has been exemplary. She is a role model in every way — especially in business ethics. Theresa’s accomplishments, despite challenges and the great loss of her husband Jim, are an inspiration to all of us in this business and beyond. Theresa is not only a great businesswoman but also a great person who takes the time to mentor the future of this great industry. A true leader.”
At the event, Nolan humbly accepted the second annual award and gave praise to Prevor, Kneeland and many dear friends for their support over the years. “I am thankful to be a part of the produce industry where we can all be proud of the healthy products we sell,” said Nolan. “I am even more thankful to be surrounded by so many wonderful produce industry friends, such as Jim Prevor and Bill Martin — without whom I would have never have been able to survive my husband’s death and the long ordeal of our legal action [with Ocean Spray]. Winning that trial allowed me to offer my scholarship programs through the James & Theresa Family Foundation and bring something good out of something bad. It has been a great blessing to me.”
After the award was given, Theresa Lowden, executive vice president of JOH and co-founder as well as chair of the Committee (also the 2013 recipient of the Woman of Distinction Award), introduced members of the team who are instrumental in continuing the success of the organization and upholding the mission to: “mentor, inspire, and empower the current and next generation of female leaders in the industry with the core values, attitudes and skills that provide the foundation for quality leadership."
The microphone was then handed to Cece Krumrine, merchandiser for several commodity boards (such as the National Mango Board, the California Avocado Commission and the National Watermelon Promotion Board) as well as lead for the Mentoring Committee; Trish James, vice president of Produce for Kids and lead for the Youth and Wellness Committee; and Marianne Santo, category manager of produce for Wakefern as well as co-chair for the Committee, who informed guests about the progress and goals of each of their divisions within the organization.
Source: PerishableNews.com
