FPAA Celebrates its 50th Fall Convention and Recognizes “Pillars of the FPAA” Award Recipient
NOGALES, AZ - In order to celebrate 50 years, you really have to go all out. That’s certainly how The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) feels about its 50th Nogales Produce Convention and Golf Tournament, slated to be held November 1-3, 2018 in Tubac, Arizona. The convention will include numerous activities, panels, and educational sessions to bring the industry together.
“So many times, visitors to the FPAA convention have remarked that this is the most festive, fun event on their calendar. This year we are pulling out all the stops to make it even more special. We are planning folklorico dancers, a celebrity chef appearance, and more,” said President Lance Jungmeyer in a press release.
To kick it off, the FPAA will showcase remembrances from past events, as well as recognize and honor an individual who has been integral to the success of the gala event—which features a reception, dinner, dancing, entertainment, and more. The “Pillars of the FPAA” Award will be awarded to those who have volunteered their time and effort to the industry, as well as demonstrated innovation and integrity throughout their career.
“It is fitting, as FPAA celebrates its 50th Fall Convention, that this year’s Pillar of the FPAA has spent so many years helping plan the event,” stated Chairman Scott Vandervoet of Vandervoet and Associates. “We are extremely pleased to honor longtime association member Rosie Favela Cornelius as a Pillar of the FPAA.”
The convention will also feature helicopter rides over the Nogales warehouse districts, the Mariposa Port of Entry, and a flyover of the MMT Observatory in the Santa Rita Mountains.
In addition to all the excitement, there will be a suprise celebrity chef—to be revealed at a later date—to help the FPAA commemorate the 3rd Annual Culinary Showcase, Top Dishes Out of Mexico’s Top Produce. At this public event, guests will enjoy unique and tasty culinary creations from chefs and culinary teams, all featuring the wonderful flavors of Mexican produce. This event is sponsored by the FPAA and the Mexican Consulate of Nogales, Arizona.
The education sessions will be held on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 and allow guests to immerse themselves in the Nogales produce industry and the global initiatives and opportunities in the business.
The following is a snapshot of some of the sessions:
- Speeding up the Wheels of Commerce – U.S. Customs and Border Protection continues to work to streamline commercial border crossings, all while keeping the nation secure. Learn more from invited speaker Bradley Hayes, Executive Director of the Office of Trade Relations at the Department of Homeland Security
- Produce Industry Ethical Charter – Responding to social and market concerns regarding worker social responsibility, the fresh produce industry has launched a broad Ethical Charter, spearheaded by the Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Produce Association. PMA President Cathy Burns will walk us through the responsibilities and benefits of this groundbreaking program
With nearly five decades of experience, the 2018 Fresh Produce Convention and Golf Tournament promises to not only live up to, but to exceed everyone’s expectations. This year’s 50th Nogales Produce Convention will be a historic event you won’t want to miss!
The FPAA Convention will be held at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, which is located a few miles north of Nogales, Arizona. Companies interested in registering should contact the FPAA office at (520) 287-2707 or visit www.freshfrommexico.com.
