WASHINGTON, D.C. – United Fresh Produce Association is now accepting nominations to help select an honoree to speak at the annual Reception Honoring Women in Produce, Thursday, June 12 at the United Fresh 2014 convention in Chicago.

Each year, United Fresh recognizes the contributions of all women working in the produce industry and honors one outstanding female industry leader at this reception.

“This event is a great time to celebrate the contributions so many women make to the produce industry,” said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel.  “Each year, we have the opportunity to be inspired by the personal career paths of different leaders who serve as role models to us all, men and women alike.”

“It was an amazing experience to be awarded this honor last year,” said Lisa McNeece, 2013 Women in Produce Honoree and vice president of foodservice and industrial sales for Grimmway Enterprises Inc. “I encourage the produce industry to participate in the nomination process and recognize the many outstanding women who contribute to our industry.”

Nomination forms may be downloaded online at http://www.unitedfreshshow.org/WIP and must be received by Thursday, March 27.

Past Women in Produce Honorees include:

  • Tonya Antle, Tanimura & Antle
  • Frieda Rapoport Caplan, Frieda’s Inc.
  • Margaret D’Arrigo, Taylor Farms, Inc.
  • Jan DeLyser, California Avocado Commission
  • Lorri Koster, Mann Packing Company
  • Lisa McNeece, Grimmway Farms
  • Kathleen Nave, California Table Grape Commission
  • Heather Shavey, Costco Wholesale
  • Rosemary Talley, Talley Farms

For more information on the Reception Honoring Women in Produce, please contact United Fresh Political Affairs Manager Angela Tiwari at 202-303-3416 or atiwari@unitedfresh.org or visit the United Fresh 2014 website.

Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. 

United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses.