… and made me realize, once again, how absolutely bright the future is for the fresh produce industry!

Interns have been a mainstay at DMA for the last 6 years, but this is the first summer we have brought on not one, not two, but three fabulous students to join us as we work to increase the consumption of fresh produce.  I couldn’t be more floored by how lucky we are to have this crop of talent working here for the summer!

As a niche marketing agency, there are only so many full time positions available at our company for the coming years. Interns, however, are another story, which is why I approved the most aggressive summer internship program we have ever had for 2013.  I thought why not share our office with any number of people for two months if it means that we increase the likelihood of having more talented people choose fresh produce as a career destination? Admittedly, I wondered if we would be able to maintain our track record of hiring excellent individuals if we expanded our program. Low and behold, we attracted and hired three incredibly talented, driven individuals who chose DMA and the fresh produce industry for the summer. (more…)

In today’s fast paced, ever-changing world, it is not enough to simply be memorable.  No, today it takes a lot of work to establish a brand for yourself whether you’re running for political office or trying to establish yourself in an industry where you passionately believe that your talents can make a positive difference.

I’ve become very conscious of the powerful personal brands in our own industry, and recently at United Fresh 2013 in San Diego, it hit me.  There are several recurring attributes that each of the leaders I look up to possess and that I believe are necessary to be relevant and, well, outstanding.  This is my list. (more…)

To say I had high expectations for last week’s inaugural PMA Foundation Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference is an understatement.  I mean, I expected to learn, network and have my horizons broadened by, well, the multitude of fresh perspectives, but the experience was so special that it will absolutely be included in a short list of game changers of my fresh produce career.

The event inspired a motivated group of professionals in many ways and I truly believe the results will create the momentum necessary to increase the consumption of the products we grow, pack, ship and market.  I know, that’s big statement to make, but it’s true and here is why: (more…)