US (AR): Produce industry’s women’s conference continues to grow

Women of the fresh produce and floral industry have made their desire for a dedicated time to cultivate their leadership skills heard – and they received just that at the second annual Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Foundation Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference this week in Phoenix, Arizona.

More than 200 female professionals engaged in the two and a half-day session that was designed by an industry-led advisory committee. Among the most popular sessions was the exploration of Predictive Index, led by Vicki Myoda, Freelance HR LLC, a tool used to identify behavioural attributes and how each style interfaces. Myoda also led a networking session to help participants use the results in real life situations.

A well-received panel discussion titled “She Speaks” was moderated by Jill Overdorf, Cooseman's Shipping of L.A. included Lorri Koster, Mann Packing; Marty Craner, B&C Fresh Sales; and Cathy Burns, PMA. Personal stories shared by each panellist shared situations women are exposed to within the industry and insight on how they to addressed a variety of work and life challenges.

“Putting 200 women in the same room is a powerful thing,” says Deb Levins Randi, contracts administrator for The Oppenheimer Group. “The feeling was electric. Women from all levels of their careers, all areas of the supply chain, came together to talk about the challenges we face, embrace our opportunities and recognize how we contribute to moving this industry forward. I think it’s safe to say that together we are making an impact. #WRG4B (Women are good for business.)”

“There are women-specific conferences and industry-specific conferences all year long, across the country,” says Tammy Farewell, assistant controller for Lipman. “But it’s quite powerful to be at a conference designed just for me- a woman in the produce industry. Every session related to the challenges I experience.”

The conference, held in partnership with Simmons School if Management, is one of several events the PMA Foundation offers dedicated to the cultivating the potential of women in the industry. Attendees of the PMA Foodservice Conference this July can register for a sell-out networking reception, and PMA’s Fresh Summit offers a chance to reconnect at a networking breakfast in October.

For more information:
Ashley Boucher
PMA
Tel: +1 (302) 738-7100, ext. 3092
Email: aboucher@pma.com
www.pma.com/letsgrow