MISSION, TX - Say it aloud. Y-TIPA. And you may feel yourself slipping into a double entendre. But anyone familiar with the organization can well answer the first question with ease: the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) is an advocate and resource, representing the business, economic, and political interests of Texas-grown fruits and vegetables and the opportunities surrounding the imports of Mexico-grown produce shipped through Texas ports.
The second meaning is what brings us here to this story: the organization’s new Young Texas International Produce Association program. Now in its second year, Y-TIPA is specifically for younger industry members with a focus on networking, building connections, and providing useful education to the newest generation of fresh produce members.
“Y-TIPA first started as an idea in 2019 between myself and Alvaro Rocha of Little Bear (formerly J&D Produce), which we presented to Dante Galeazzi from the Texas International Produce Association,” Kristen Davis, Chair of Y-TIPA and Food Safety Coordinator at Tex-Mex Sales, shares with me. “Then, in 2020, Alvaro and I recruited Jesse Wiggins and Jacob Jordan to be part of the committee. Later, Rebecca Garcia and Jovanni Bernal were recruited to be part of what became the Y-TIPA Committee. Our first official event was on July 29, 2021, at Top Golf in Pharr, Texas, where over 70 young produce professionals joined the event sponsored by Syngenta.”
After such a successful turnout, the team then hosted an event at the 2022 VIVA Fresh Expo. Y-TIPA had the honor of having Ashley Ojeda from H-E-B as its first young professional to speak at the event.
A busy schedule for such a young organization, but one with an electric enthusiasm and incredible energy.
When I ask Kristen how one gets into such an exclusive group, Kristen tells me that to be part of Y-TIPA, you need to be a member of TIPA, under the age of 35, and a young professional in the fresh produce industry in Texas. Serious inquiries only, she smiles.
“This group was created to give new produce industry young professionals a way to network, learn, and start building those business relationships within their own age group. Y-TIPA is a tool available for up-and-coming members of the produce industry to connect, share, learn, and grow as one,” she reveals to me. “The committee’s goal is to prepare the next generation of young produce professionals for the future and be a resource to them so the whole industry can keep growing and transition between generations.”
If I was under 35, I would jump at this chance. To be equipped right off the bat with a vehicle for connections, growth, and resources is an invaluable opportunity and one that the committee members revel in each day of their participation.
Before we move on, Kristen shares with me the dynamic makeup of such a committee, starting with herself:
- Kristen Davis, Chair, Tex-Mex Sales
- Rebecca Garcia, Vice Chair, Origin Fresh Produce
- Jacob Jordan, Treasurer, Brothers Food Service
- Jovanni Bernal, Secretary, Sweet Seasons
- Jesse James Wiggins, Public Relations, Wiggins Farms
With excitement and wonder, I turn to Vice Chair Rebecca Garcia, Sales Manager at Origin Fresh Produce, and ask her what she is most looking forward to as 2023 gets further underway.
“We are looking forward to having our second annual event at Viva Fresh and creating an educational certification program for those on the sales sides where they can register, learn, and network, all while getting a certification in sales,” Rebecca details, adding in that the excitement from 2022 has fueled many of their initiatives. “Last year was a total success, and this year we are planning to create a similar event where young produce professionals can attend, have a few drinks, and network. We will add a fun activity to help them connect with each other as well!”
Also, make note! Registration for this year’s Y-TIPA reception at Viva Fresh will open on February 28!
Now that we are only a hop, skip, and a jump away from the 2023 Viva Fresh Expo slated for March 30–April 1 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas, my advice to you—pen in this opportunity and connect with the team behind TIPA and Y-TIPA because, if you can believe it, this story only scratches the surface.
