WASHINGTON, DC - The legacy of Frieda Rapoport Caplan is well-known in our industry and especially in the ANUK office. We’ve been blessed to write about her enduring strength and innovation for years now, and it is a pleasure to continue doing so. Most recently, the United Fresh Produce Association continued to honor her name and announced the recipients of the 2020 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship.

“Our family is pleased to continue to support leadership opportunities for employees of family businesses,” said Jackie Caplan Wiggins, Vice President and COO of Frieda’s. “My mother, Frieda Caplan, was passionate about giving individuals the opportunity for professional development, particularly in the area of advocacy. With the challenges faced by our industry this year, it is critically important for companies to learn about how to advocate and educate for their business at the federal level.”

Jackie and her sister Karen Caplan founded the program in 2001 in honor of their mother. It provides the opportunity for representatives from family-owned, United Fresh member companies to attend the United Fresh Washington Conference.

According to a press release, this year’s scholarship recipients include Caitie Bowers, Human Resources Director, The Fresh Group; and Tanner Buchanan, Director of Operations, T&T Produce.

The recipients are chosen utilizing several criteria, including each candidate’s interest in advocacy work and commitment to the produce industry.

“Thanks to the very generous support of the Caplan family, family businesses throughout the industry benefit from this exceptional leadership opportunity,” said Miriam Wolk, United Fresh’s Vice President of Member Services. “This year’s recipients will take part in all facets of the United Fresh Washington Conference, and acquire the skills they need to be effective advocates on the issues that impact their businesses and the fresh produce industry.”

The recipients receive complimentary registration to participate in the conference taking place September 21–25. It will be hosted on the United Fresh LIVE! 365 platform. The event itself will include Congressional visits, keynote sessions, workshops, networking receptions, and volunteer leadership meetings—and yes, it’s all virtual. United Fresh noted that the event does include an “election night” party that culminates in a vote by all attendees to forecast November’s election results.

Frieda Rapoport Caplan was a civic-minded woman who wanted to inspire people to stay informed and speak their mind. The United Fresh Washington Conference brings together hundreds of produce leaders from all sectors of the industry for education on critical industry issues and meetings with members of Congress, their staff, and top regulatory officials. The two scholarship recipients will have an opportunity to network with produce industry executives from across the country, as well as gain an understanding of the political process and how to advocate for their priority issues.

A worthy tribute to a remarkable woman.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest in all things produce.

United Fresh Produce Association