NOGALES, AZ - Everyone knows when the days get shorter, the air gets cooler, and the leaves begin to change that it’s time to gear up for the Fresh Produce Association of the America’s Nogales Produce Convention. It’s also a sign that fall is on its way, which means the produce season for Nogales is almost here.

Every year, the FPAA kicks off the season with the Nogales Produce Convention, a three-day celebration complete with seminars, elegant parties, and the famous golf tournament. This year, however, is special in that it marks a mile stone for the association, the convention, and the industry as a whole: the 50^th anniversary of the Fall Produce Convention.

Given the fanfare surrounding the celebration, it is no coincidence that this year’s Pillar of the FPAA award will go to someone who has a long and storied history in developing and coordinating the Nogales Produce Convention. The coveted Pillar Award recognizes individuals who not only demonstrate the values of the organization, but also who have dedicated their lives to the produce industry and the community.

This year’s honoree, Rosie Favela Cornelius, has a special place in the history of the association and its annual convention, said FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer. “Not only is she a pioneer for women working to make their mark on the business, but she’s also responsible for the success of so many conventions past,” Jungmeyer said.

Rosie has been involved in the convention for four decades and has seen a lot of changes over the years. She’s seen it move from La Roca restaurant, to “warehouses dressed up like ballrooms”, to Kino Springs, and finally to the Tubac Golf Resort where the convention is currently held.

“It used to be more of a networking event.” Rosie has said of the convention. “It’s transformed into more of a celebration and promotional event for the industry.” That transformation is in no small part due to her own participation in the organization of the convention. “I just love decorating and putting events together. I do it with the Boys and Girls Club also. It’s just something I really enjoy, and you might say I have a knack for.”

“Rosie has a gift for partying and decorating,” says Chris Ciruli of Ciruli Brothers. “She can turn anything, even a warehouse, into an elegant venue… She’s an expert with lighting.” And Rosie herself proudly boasts her involvement in the 50^th Annual Fresh Produce Convention. Though, true to her humble nature, rather than give credit to herself, Rosie says her talent isn’t in the execution but rather in her ability to “find the right people to execute our (the committee’s) vision.”

Mark your calendars for November 1-3, to ensure you don’t miss out on this monumental occasion with a blowout that not only rings in season after season, but that gives everyone attending a chance to learn, network, and relax before their phones start ringing off the hook and trucks move in and out of their warehouses, bringing fresh produce and opportunity to southern Arizona.

For all of those friends and colleagues that want to celebrate with Rosie, she will be formally honored with the FPAA Pillar Award during the FPAA’s Gala Dinner on Friday, November 2, 2018. She will also be a speaker at the Convention’s Women’s Leadership Invitational on Friday afternoon. Of course, Rosie and many Nogales industry colleagues will be at events throughout the Convention, so the FPAA encourages attendees to plan on joining the celebration starting on Thursday. The golden anniversary of the Nogales Produce Convention is an event to be celebrated, and the FPAA wants everyone to join in this great event.

For more information and to register for the Produce Convention and Golf tournament, go to www.freshfrommexico.com.

Fresh Produce Association of the Americas