WASHINGTON, DC – The United Fresh Produce Association is now accepting applications for the 2014 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Program. The program awards up to four scholarships for employees of family-owned businesses to attend the United Fresh Washington Conference in September.
Scholarship recipients will receive complimentary airfare, hotel and registration to attend The Washington Conference, September 8-10 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The Washington Conference brings more than five hundred produce leaders from all sectors of the industry to interact and share ideas with administration officials, congressional leaders and industry colleagues.
“This scholarship program provided an incredible opportunity for us to engage directly with the nation’s policy makers and key influencers,” said 2013 scholarship recipient Kimball Redd, Director of Purchasing and Food Safety, Muir Copper Canyon Farms. “Being able to meet with them face-to-face allows you to tell your story and be a voice for the industry. Our presence in Washington is critical and this conference is an experience like no other.”
The Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Program was established in 2001 through a generous grant from Frieda's, Inc. to the United Fresh Foundation by Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins in honor of their mother, Frieda Rapoport Caplan. The program is designed to increase family business' involvement in government relations and produce industry advocacy.
“We encourage any of our members who work in a family business to apply and take advantage of this important advocacy opportunity,” said Victoria Backer, United Fresh senior vice president of member services, foundation. “This program is an exceptional way for family businesses to bring their perspectives on industry issues forward and be a part of the biggest, produce event in the nation’s capital.”
To apply for a 2014 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship, participants must complete an application form and written submission outlining why they want to attend the conference and what they hope to gain from the experience. Applicants must be employed by a family-owned business that is a United Fresh member company in good standing; the program is open to first-time attendees of The Washington Conference. The application can be downloaded here and must be received by July 31.
Applications should be sent to the United Fresh Produce Association, attention Shannon Young, United Fresh Education Manager via email to syoung@unitedfresh.org or fax 202-303-3433.
For more information about the scholarship program and The Washington Conference visit www.unitedfresh.org/twc.
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association brings together companies across every segment of the fresh produce supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. We empower industry leaders to shape sound government policy. We deliver the resources and expertise companies need to succeed in managing complex business and technical issues. We provide the training and development individuals need to advance their careers in produce. And, through these endeavors, we unite our industry with a common purpose – to build long-term value for our members and grow produce consumption. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.
Source: United Fresh Produce Association
