TAMPA, FL - A successful networking event recently took place in Tampa Bay, Florida. The Produce Industry Podcast hosted its first in-person networking event, bringing an invite-only group of community members on an evening cruise. Attendees were delighted to spend the evening with Bo Jackson, Founder and Chairman of Jackson & Partners.

“Bo and I have been business associates for years and share a commitment to driving the food industry forward,” Patrick Kelly, Founder and host of The Produce Industry Podcast, shared. “He was quick to support the idea of the inaugural in-person networking event, and his presence that evening was a sure contribution to its success.”

The former two-sport professional athlete has run diverse, successful businesses for 30 years. Jackson, whose company produces a line of plant-based protein products, spent the evening sharing his passion for food with produce industry attendees, a press release noted.

The event was supported by the generosity of title sponsors Continental Fresh; BelleHarvest; Sev-Rend; Arctic Apples; and Noble Citrus, and powered by Ten Acre Marketing and Golden Star Citrus.

Founded by Kelly in 2020, The Produce Industry Podcast media platform has grown to include The Produce Industry Show on YouTube, Fresh From the Field Fridays featuring host Dan Avakian, The Global Fresh Series featuring host Juantia Gaglio, and The History of Produce featuring host John Paap. The media platform engages more than 24,000 listeners weekly and reached a milestone of 1 million downloads in 2023.

“Our community continues to grow. I’m thankful to all those who were able to join us on the water in Tampa Bay, and look forward to welcoming more of the produce industry into the community this year,” Kelly added.

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