FPAA Annual Convention Breaks Attendance Record At Closing Gala

Nogales, AZ—The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) 44th Produce Convention and Golf Tournament was held November 8 – 10 in Nogales, Arizona, home to the largest port of entry for fresh fruits and vegetables from Mexico and to a wide array of companies involved in distributing fresh produce across North America.

“This year’s event was spectacular, and we’re delighted at the participation.  Representation from all facets of our industry – from growers to importers to buyers – was very well balanced.   Special thanks goes out to our incredible sponsors who make this relationship-building event possible,” said Lance Jungmeyer, FPAA president.  

The event started Thursday with 3 engaging educational sessions, including topics on transportation, retail buying trends and social media.  The opening Fiesta was held in the beautiful outdoor Plaza of the Tubac Resort and Spa and was enjoyed by nearly 500 attendees.

The 2-day golf tournament participants were fiercely competitive from the onset and were delighted to witness a hole-in-one contest being won by Carlos Barraza of Franks Distributing of Produce, LLC.  Prizes for this event were awarded in all three flights.

Friday’s closing event was elegant and festive.  This event, too, saw record numbers in attendance, with over 270 guests.  2012 marked the 3rd annual announcement of the honorees of the Pillars of the FPAA award.  The Pillars of the FPAA award is given to members of the association that have contributed greatly to the evolution and sustainability of the U.S. industry importing fresh produce from Mexico.  The 2012 honorees were Alberto Maldonado and James K Wilson (posthumously).  The awards were accepted by Alberto Maldonado and Alicia Martin and Bobbie Lundstrom respectively.  Dancing and camaraderie continued late into the night.

James K “Jimmy” Wilson was born in 1928 to well-known and respected pioneers in the produce industry, James C and Esther Wilson. He graduated with a degree in finance from Stanford University in June of 1950 and shortly thereafter was drafted to serve in the Korean War. Upon his return he built the Southwest Produce Center, the first produce and business complex of its kind in southern Arizona. The Southwest Produce Center provided offices, warehouses, cold and dry storage incorporating both rail and trailer modes of transportation to many growers, shippers and brokers in the produce business.  Jimmy was greatly respected and admired by all who knew him. He was known for his progressive and innovative thinking and doing. He was a strong advocate for community beautification and dedicated many hours in the landscaping of Nogales.  He served as the FPAA President from 1957 – 58.  Jimmy died suddenly on the 20th of February 1977 at the young age of 48.

Alberto “Beto” Maldonado was born in Hermosillo and spent his youth back and forth between Sonora and Mexico City, where he studied engineering.  He returned to Sonora and began his produce career in 1959 with CAB produce.  He began as a clerk, and within several years rose to General Manager.  In October of 1963, he moved over to the brand-new GAC warehouse on Old Tucson Road.  Beto has been working his magic from that exact same spot for 49 years and counting.

Beto has always been a champion of, and totally dedicated to, the Fresh Produce Association.  He served as President of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, and was instrumental in the Association establishing a strong political presence both at home and in our nation’s Capitol, and in bridging the gap between growers and distributors, and distributors and associates.

Beto served on the board of United Fresh Produce Association from 1992 to 1996.  He has been married to his wife, Alicia, for over fifty years.  And whether it was cooking corn for a huge crowd or securing funding for a new gymnasium, his tireless efforts on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club of Nogales have enabled that wonderful organization to survive and thrive.

Previous honorees of the Pillars of the FPAA award include:  George Gotsis, Roy Lundstrom, Al Harrison, and Walter Holm.

The 2013 FPAA Convention will be held at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa November 7 – 9, 2013.

Source: Fresh Produce Association of the Americas