<p> From November 7 – 9, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) celebrated its 45th Produce Convention in Nogales, AZ, home to the largest port of entry for fresh produce from Mexico.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> <img class="small-cropped-image" src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacySmallCroppedImages/fpaa111213bodyhs.jpg" alt="images 111213" /> “This year’s event was spectacular and we’re delighted with the participation,” said Lance Jungmeyer, FPAA president. “Representation from all facets of our industry – from growers to importers to buyers – was very well balanced. Special thanks goes out to our incredible sponsors who make this relationship-building event possible.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> <img src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacyWriterImages/fpaa111213body1.jpg" alt="images 111213" />The event started with 3 engaging educational sessions, including topics on how marketers can make their products stand out, the new Canadian food safety law, and merchandising tips for West Mexico produce. The opening Fiesta was held in the beautiful outdoor Plaza of the Tubac Resort and Spa and was enjoyed by over 550 attendees, a new record for the event, according to a press release.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> <img src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacyWriterImages/fpaa111213body3.jpg" alt="images 111213" /> On Nov. 8, a brief ceremony was held to present Alfredo Velásquez, the Santa Cruz County School Superintendent, a certificate for a new salad bar unit that will be placed at Lincoln Elementary School in Nogales, AZ. This was made possible through a generous sponsorship the FPAA received from the Nogales U.S. Customs Brokers Association. Jungmeyer noted that he was delighted to present this certificate and that the FPAA looks forward to donating to other local schools in the future.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> <img src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacyWriterImages/fpaa111213body2.jpg" alt="images 111213" /> The closing event also saw record numbers with over 320 guests registered. During the 4th annual announcement of the honorees of the Pillars of the FPAA award, Robert R. Hathaway was named the official 2013 honoree. The award honors members of the association that have contributed greatly to the evolution and sustainability of the U.S. industry importing fresh produce from Mexico. Hathaway’s experience and family political connections helped to revive relationships with Mexican growers and Mexican grower organizations, allowing the association to develop strong influence in Washington D.C. through Al Yamada.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Congratulations on this achievement, Robert!</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.freshfrommexico.com/view.php?pg=6" target="_new"> Fresh Produce Association of the Americas </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
