University students explore Fresh Summit and produce industry opportunities

More than 40 students from 13 universities will join 20,000+ fresh produce and floral industry members in Anaheim, California this October for the PMA Fresh Summit Convention & Expo. As part of the PMA Foundation Career Pathways program created in 2004 with the help of Jay and Ruthie Pack Family Foundation, college students with diverse educational backgrounds are introduced to the industry’s vast opportunities through a series of career panel discussions, educational workshops and networking.

Participants will embark on an industry tour for the first time this year, hosted by Ready Pac Foods, Inc. “Acquiring and sustaining talent is a significant issue in our industry,” says Ready Pac’s Tristan Simpson, Vice President Corporate Communications. “It’s so important to invest time and effort into programs like this one, a program that can provide such valuable resources. We’re looking forward to welcoming the students, and I’m sure we’ll all make great connections.”

Julianne Crapps, category manager for Sysco, was a PMA Foundation Career Pathways participant in 2014. “The Career Pathways program gave me various career options upon graduation, which offered a strong start to my professional journey. It has also offered me various industry contacts that I remain in touch with today.”

The Career Pathways program is part of the PMA Foundation’s initiative to establish a workforce with the diverse skills necessary to meet the complex demands of business. The following schools will be represented:

• Arizona State University
• California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
• Cornell University
• Louisiana State University
• Michigan State University
• St. Joseph's University
• Texas A&M University
• University of Florida
• Pontificia Universidad Cátolica de Chile
• University of Stellenbosch (South Africa)
• University of Pretoria (South Africa)
• University of Queensland (Australia)
• University of Sydney (Australia)

If you see any of this year’s Pack Career Pathways students, identified by their “I AM THE FUTURE” ribbon, please introduce yourself and share your career path story with them.

For more information about the PMA Foundation Career Pathways program, contact Barbara Hochman at bhochman@pmafoundation.com. For more information about the PMA Fresh Summit Convention & Expo, visit www.freshsummit.com.