Orlando, Fla. – The National Mango Board (NMB) is accepting nominations for board member positions through May 6, 2011. In order to reach all potential board members and facilitate a diverse pool of nominees, the NMB has conducted extensive outreach, internationally and in the U.S. Details are available at www.mango.org/nominations.
The NMB is made up of mango importers, foreign producers and a first handler who dedicate themselves to the mission, goals and objectives of the NMB. Board members work closely with the NMB staff to carry out marketing, research and industry relations programs to benefit the mango industry.
The six positions currently open for nominations include three importers in district II, one domestic producer and two foreign producers. All positions are for three year terms beginning January 1, 2012. Candidates must meet certain requirements and be willing to serve the mango industry by fulfilling board member roles and responsibilities. A map of the U.S. divided into NMB importer districts is available at www.mango.org/nominations, along with details about the eligibility requirements for nominees.
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. Throughout the nominations process, the NMB has taken steps to ensure that a diverse pool of nominees have the opportunity to seek these positions.
According to NMB executive director, William Watson, “We value the diversity of the mango industry, and we really want to honor that diversity throughout the nominations process.”
The nominations packets were shipped to all eligible importers in District III and a press release was sent to trade media in the U.S. Details about the nominations process were published in Spanish and English in the March and April Mango Connection e-newsletters, as well as the industry section of www.mango.org.
The NMB is working closely with the foreign mango organizations in the top six producing countries, which collectively ship 99% of the mangos imported into the U.S. NMB provided press releases for distribution to the local media in the producing countries. These releases were provided in French for Haiti, in Portuguese for Brazil and in Spanish for the other top producing countries. These organizations also received nomination packages to be forwarded to their members.
In addition, the NMB sent nominations packages to the embassies in Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico and Peru. The NMB’s industry relations specialist is coordinating with foreign mango organizations in these countries and providing extensive support in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Mango industry members who are interested in serving as a member of the NMB should visit www.mango.org/nominations for complete details and the necessary forms. The deadline for nominations to be received at the NMB office is May 6, 2010. Questions about the nominations and appointment process can be directed to Marilda Peele at mpeele@mango.org or via phone at 407-629-7318 x106.
About National Mango Board
The National Mango Board is a national promotion and research organization, 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. One cup of mango is only 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 quadrupled since 1990 to an estimated 2.24 pounds per year in 2010. Mango import volume for 2010 was 770 million pounds. Learn more at www.mango.org.
Source: National Mango Board
