NEWARK, DE - The Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) second-annual Science & Technology Circle of Excellence Award is upon us, and now is your chance to nominate an individual or organization that you believe has harnessed the powers of science or technology to further the industry. Know someone who has helped the produce or floral industry work smarter, not harder? Nominate them by March 23!

“This award recognizes leaders who are helping our industry turn to science and technology rather than more labor to solve industry challenges, so that we are working smarter and not harder with the labor we do have,” explained Chief Science & Technology Officer Bob Whitaker, Ph.D. “We intentionally named this award ‘Circle of Excellence’ because by recognizing innovators, we hope to inspire others to follow their lead.”

For the inaugural 2017 award, SmartWash Solutions was selected in celebration of its systems that help packers and processors of fresh fruits and vegetables monitor and enhance wash water quality in real time. SmartWash Solutions systems are designed to both help companies save labor, while also enhancing food safety and protecting public health.

“While SmartWash has been honored with numerous awards, as a company born from the needs of the produce industry, receiving the PMA Science & Technology Circle of Excellence Award was particularly gratifying for our team,” shared SmartWash Solutions President Jim Brennan. “To be singled out by our peers in the industry as a leader of technological food safety innovation has re-energized our efforts to further push the boundaries of the science of food safety.”

Have an influencer in mind? Any PMA member can submit nominations for the upcoming award, though, according to a press release, nominees do not have to be members. Feeling confident? Self-nominations are also accepted and there is no cost to enter.

A panel including PMA staff science and technology subject matter experts and industry executives will select this year’s award winner, which will be announced at PMA’s Tech Knowledge Conference May 2-3 in Monterey, CA. The recipient will also be recognized again at PMA’s Fresh Summit Convention & Expo from October 18-20 in Orlando, FL. Bonus points: the winner will receive complimentary full registration to Tech Knowledge and Fresh Summit, as well as be recognized by PMA via public relations, social media, and PMA.com.

For more information and to submit a nomination for the Science & Technology Circle of Excellence Award, visit www.pma.com/members/awards-of-excellence. We look forward to seeing these best and brightest shine!

Produce Marketing Association