ANAHEIM, CA - Our industry is one that not only sets its focus on the present, but is ever looking toward the future. Recently, the Fresh Produce & Floral Council (FPFC) announced that it had selected twelve new individuals to participate in its 2021 FPFC Apprentice Program as a way to position the next generation of leaders to continue growing in the industry.
“Each year, individuals are chosen from a wide range of companies and positions in the produce industry to participate in this elite 9-month program,” shared Don Gann, Executive Director. “Candidates, viewed by their employers as having great leadership potential, are screened through a competitive selection process. Participation in this program adds tremendous value to the produce industry through programming designed to provide a holistic view of the industry and instill leadership skills in each Apprentice. I am very excited to see the 2021 Apprentice Class learn and grow into the leaders of tomorrow!”
The program is sponsored by Dennis Gertmenian, Founder and retired CEO of Ready Pac, Bounduelle Fresh Americas, and Grimmway Farms. According to a press relase, the Apprenctice Program prepares selected participants for leadership roles throughout the industry and their communities through a series of education sessions, facility and field tours, and group and team-building project. Each apprentice also receives an industry mentor to guide them through the program.
“Having been involved in the Program since its inception—as a graduate of Class One in 2014 and serving on the task force and as a mentor every year thereafter—I’ve been fortunate to witness the Apprentice Program evolve and flourish with each new class,” stated Rachelle Schulken, Apprentice Program Chair. “From the strategic educational programming to the esteemed mentor group to the talented candidates we receive, I'm so proud of what this Program has become and the value it brings to every graduate and FPFC member company. Best of luck to the 2021 Apprentice Program Class!”
This year’s chosen apprentices include:
- Gisel Arenas, Westlake Produce Co.
- Anjali Bonfante, Bolthouse Farms
- Veleyin Contreras, Progressive Produce, LLC
- Alexandra Danell, Country Sweet Produce
- Cassidy Davis, Calavo Growers, Inc.
- Tawne Rose Haynish, Index Fresh
- James Hunt, Great West Produce Co.
- Pebbles Johnson, Grocery Outlet
- Brent Purvis, Allen Lund Company
- Sean Quintero, California Endive Farms
- Heather Riebe, Renaissance Food Group
- Elsa Y. Salazar, Bard Valley Date Growers
The program will begin with a meeting of apprentices and their mentors in April and will end in January 2022 with a graduation ceremony at the FPFC Dinner Dance.
Congratulations to all of those who have been selected to participate in this year’s program!
