PHILADELPHIA – John Vena, Inc. announced last week that Emily Kohlhas will assume the position of Director of Marketing effective immediately. In this new role, Emily is responsible for managing the John Vena, Inc. brand across channels, business development, and coordinating the strategic growth of products and services to enhance client relationships in foodservice, retail, meal kitting, and processing.
Kohlhas has been with the company since 2015 as Sales & Marketing Coordinator, during which time she has taken on a number of initiatives, including design of an enhanced program of collateral support, growth of brand presence in print, establishment of a strong B2B social media program, and development of a strategic marketing plan. She has represented the company at trade and other events, and regularly conducts specialty produce trainings for clients, students, nonprofit partners, and other guests. Emily has also cultivated and managed a range of major new accounts in a variety of sectors.
“Emily has strong knowledge of specialty produce and the skill to communicate that information in various ways,” says John Vena, President. “During her time with us she has stepped up to give the marketing department structure and strategy, while also producing content that our customers find exceptionally valuable. I am confident that she will drive innovation in our organization and we are pleased to welcome her onto the leadership team.”
“There is an incredible amount of potential for continued growth and development in this entrepreneurial organization, and I am excited to grow and lead the marketing team to drive these efforts,” Kohlhas reports.
“I am looking forward to focusing on strategic projects in product and business development while enhancing the suite of marketing services we offer our customers and the support we bring to our growers. John Vena, Inc. has been connecting buyers with exceptional produce and passionate farmers from around the world for almost 1oo years, so you couldn’t find a better foundation for sustainable innovation.”
Previously, Kohlhas held positions in communications, marketing, and event planning for Fair Food Philly, the Vetri Community Partnership, and the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia. She has worked on the biodynamic farm of a Michelin-starred restaurant, guided trail rides on an off-the-grid ranch, and served in an acclaimed vegan restaurant. Her writing and photography have appeared in numerous publications, including Produce Business, Two.One.Five Mag, and The Pennsylvania Gazette.
Emily holds a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania and serves on the Board of Directors of the South Philly Food Co-op. She lives in Center City Philadelphia.
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About John Vena, Inc.
Established in 1919, John Vena, Inc. is a fourth generation family-owned and -operated specialty produce wholesaler based in Philadelphia providing a full suite of services including sourcing, custom packing, ripening, program support, marketing, and merchandizing. John Vena, Inc. handles a wide range of specialty items including for foodservice and retail, including fresh herbs, greenhouse vegetables, tropical fruits, ethnic-specific products, foraged and wild products, microgreens, edible flowers, and baby vegetables.
For more information: www.johnvenaproduce.com
Source: John Vena, Inc.
