The fresh produce and floral supply chain needs new talent to survive and thrive in the future, yet the industry has difficulty competing with better-known industries. To recognize industry members who are striving to attract talent by sharing their passion for and insights about industry careers, and to encourage others to do the same, the Center for Growing Talent (CGT) has created the Jay Pack Cultivating Our Future Award.
Nominations for the inaugural award are due by Aug. 20. The 2018 awardee will be revealed in October at Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Fresh Summit Convention & Expo in Orlando, Florida, USA.
There is no fee to submit a nomination. The Jay Pack Cultivating Our Future Award is one of two awards that CGT sponsors annually; the annual Women’s Catalyst award honors one industry leader who is cultivating women’s potential by mentoring women and by providing a path for their leadership, development and participation. For more information and to submit a nomination, visit https://www.centerforgrowingtalent.org/resources.
Alicia Calhoun and Leonard Batti
The new award is named for Jay Pack, who with then-PMA CEO Bryan Silbermann envisioned a new program to attract top university students to industry careers. The first Career Pathways, then sponsored by the Pack Family Foundation, was held at PMA’s Fresh Summit in 2004. Career Pathways has since grown to 11 programs held by CGT at industry events around the world. To date, more than 1,000 students have participated. Two thirds took jobs or internships in industry, and 78 percent remain in the industry today. Hundreds of industry volunteers have served as Career Ambassadors since 2004, guiding students through Career Pathways and on to industry careers.
“Jay’s passion for attracting new talent to our industry sets a standard for others in produce and floral to follow. It is very fitting that this award be named in his honor,” said Leonard Batti, chair of CGT’s Board of Directors and vice president of Taylor Farms.
“To attract fresh talent to our industry takes committed volunteers, who create awareness about career opportunities and spread their passion for fresh produce and floral to others. We want to recognize such leaders, and in the process, encourage others to also take up our cause,” said Alicia Calhoun, CGT vice president-talent portfolio.
For more information:
Cassidy Taylor
Produce Marketing Association
Tel: +1 (302) 781-5852
