Orlando, Fla – The National Mango Board (NMB) is inviting mango industry leaders to step forward and participate in the nominations process to become a board member. Board members have the chance to contribute in shaping the future and direction of the NMB in upcoming years. The NMB is currently seeking nominations for six board members positions to serve a three-year term beginning on January 2016. The positions currently open include two importers in District I, one first handler, one domestic producer and two foreign producers. Candidates must meet certain requirements to be eligible and be willing to serve the mango industry by fulfilling board member roles and responsibilities.
The NMB is made up of mango importers, a first handler, domestic producers and foreign producers who dedicate themselves to the mission of the NMB – to increase consumption of fresh mangos in the U.S. through innovative research and promotional activities, while fostering a thriving industry. The board members work closely with the NMB staff to carryout marketing, research and industry relations programs to benefit the mango industry.
The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture ultimately makes the appointments to the board from the final slate of nominees. For each importer, domestic producer, and first handler positions, two nominees will be forwarded to the Secretary of Agriculture. To narrow the selection from many nominees to the two required for submissions, mango industry members in that district will vote to select the two nominees per position from which the Secretary of Agriculture will choose.
For the foreign producer positions, the NMB is seeking nominations from mango foreign producing organizations or themselves to fill two member seats. All nominations for these positions will be forwarded to the Secretary of Agriculture for a final decision on the appointments.
Mango industry members who are interested in serving as a member of the NMB should visit mango.org/nominations for complete details, updates, and the necessary forms. The deadline for nominations to be received at the NMB office is February 27, 2015. Questions about the nominations and appointment process can be directed to Anna Deschamps-Polonia at APolonia@mango.org or by phone at 407-629-7318 x112.
The NMB encourages industry members without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, size of business/operation, and marital or family status or other basis protected by U.S. law to participate in NMB activities and seek a position on the NMB.
About National Mango Board
The National Mango Board is an agriculture promotion group, which is supported by assessments from both domestic and imported mangos. The board was designed to drive awareness and consumption of fresh mangos in the U.S. The superfruit mango contains 100 calories, an excellent source of vitamins A and C, a good source of fiber and an amazing source of tropical flavor.
Mango availability per capita has increased 53 percent since 2005 to an estimated 2.87 pounds per year in 2013. Mango import volume for 2013 was 935 million pounds. Learn more at www.mango.org.
Source: National Mango Board
