NEW ORLEANS, LA - It’s a great day to be Tim York, President of Markon, and Bill Schuler, executive adviser and retiring President and CEO of Castellini Group.  

Salinas, California-based York rung in the 2017 PMA Fresh Summit by winning the Bryan E Silbermann Collaboration Award, while Newport, Kentucky-based Schuler is celebrating his win of the Robert L. Carey Leadership Award.

The awards should come as no surprise to those involved with the produce industry, as they only go to executives who show exceptional leadership and collaboration within their organization and extraordinary commitment to volunteering at the Summit and within the produce industry. To put it lightly, these two have shown rock-star capabilities and are reaping the rewards of their career efforts with the two awards.  

York was presented his Silbermann Award by PMA Past Chair John Oxford, who is the President and CEO of L&M, and PMA CEO Cathy Burns.

“Our winner doesn’t just sit back and talk, but rather takes the lead on every initiative he asserts will benefit produce,” said Oxford in a recent press release. “He is a true leader in the sense that he fully commits himself to the needs of the produce industry.” 

York’s professional profile showcases a buyer-led focus on enhanced food safety. Because of the spinach food safety incident in 2006, York decided to take a proactive approach to ensuring that never happens again by co-founding the Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops in 2008. Further, he served on the steering committee and co-chaired the Leadership Council of the Produce Traceability Initiative, yet again proving his focus on the buyer’s safety and trust in the produce industry.

As a member of the PMA Board of Directors and the mid-1990s’ PMA Foodservice Board, York has shown a dedication to PMA’s goals and services. He served on the Center for Growing Talent by PMA (CGTbyPMA) Board of Directors and is also the current chair of the Center for Produce Safety (CPS). Burns noted the creation of CPS is included within the legacy Silbermann has left at PMA and York has accompanied Silbermann in this effort every step of the way. His achievements are award-worthy because they establish his resolve in the retention of healthy and lasting industry relationships.

“These two gentlemen were always willing to bring their talent, resources and most importantly their time to the CPS table,” Burns said during her presentation as stated in the same press release. “Now, after a 10-year journey, CPS is the source of sound science that supports food safety programs throughout the industry.”

While York’s work led the way in collaboration, Schuler’s awards stand on the base of his leadership within the industry.

Schuler “…embodies the tenacious, volunteer leadership essential to a member-driven organization like PMA,” said Jan DeLyser, Vice President of Marketing for the California Avocado Commission, and last year’s winner, in a recent press release. “He has graciously shared with PMA the same vision, leadership and dedication he brings every day to his own company.”

Among Schuler’s leadership qualities, DeLyser also noted his integrity, honesty and strong vision in his company and for the industry his entire career. Schuler’s service to the produce industry through PMA, CGTbyPMA and other organizations spans the past 30 years. He has served as either member, co-chair or chair of numerous task forces and committees, including chair of the Fresh Summit committee and simultaneously chairing PMA’s and CGTbyPMA’s Boards of Directors. Schuler also was key to CGTbyPMA’s establishment. 

“An early supporter and fundraiser for the charitable foundation’s capital campaign and ongoing budget, our honoree spent many days in the Central Valley, Oxnard and Los Angeles telling the Center for Growing Talent’s story and securing volunteer and financial commitments,” said DeLyser.

Schuler’s award honors those who bring buyers and sellers together in a cohesive and global vision for PMA.

While the benefits of their work continue to be felt throughout the industry, hopefully they are enjoying well-deserved celebrations as they soak up the glow of their award-winning moments.

Congratulations to both winners from the team at AndNowUKnow!

Produce Marketing Association