Southern California — On Saturday, February 4, 2023, the industry will gather for “the Heist, Featuring Ocean’s 58” a Casino Night at the Langham Pasadena. The Fresh Produce & Floral Council BB #:162392 will honor past FPFC Chairs, outgoing board members and welcome new board members.
A highlight of the evening will be the Council’s formal honoring of the Past FPFC Chairs’; the honorees will be featured on this evening with a video presentation, sponsored by Todd-versations. The evening will also feature the formal introduction of the 2023 Board of Directors. Kori Martin of Oppy will pass the gavel to Michael Schutt of Raley’s but will remain on the board as Past Chair Representative, replacing Sean McClure of Professional Produce who will remain on the board as Past Chair Representative; and Kristen Reid of MIXTEC Group will serve as Chair Elect.
Rachelle Schulken of Calavo has joined the FPFC’s Executive Committee as Secretary, and Bryan Presley of Albertsons will serve as the Treasurer. Roger Schroeder will continue to serve as Honorary Advisor to the board; and we would like to introduce Marvin Quebec of Quebec Distributing as the newest Honorary Advisor to the board.
FPFC’s Outgoing Chair, Kori Martin stated:
“I was honored to serve as Chair of the FPFC Board in 2022! It was an outstanding year with a successful EXPO in April, new and strengthened partnerships with charities, we held our first volunteer day with Brighter Bites in Northern California, welcomed many new members, and had the pleasure of re-connecting with our membership throughout the year! We are very thankful for Brian Cook, who is retiring off the board this year. His hard work through the most challenging times we’ve experienced as an organization through the pandemic was an integral part of building a stronger foundation for the future of this organization and we appreciate all the energy he brought to the FPFC. We are excited to welcome our new board members and as Immediate Past Chair, I look forward to continuing to work under Michael Schutt’s leadership, the FPFC Board, and Staff. We are all motivated by the hard work that was achieved and the guiding light of putting our members first, focus on connecting them to valuable experiences, to industry education, and to each other to enhance industry relationships.”
Retiring from the FPFC Board this year are:
- Brian Cook, Local Bounti
New to the Board of Directors are:
- Paige Venable, Vallarta Supermarkets
- Baltazar Garcia, Local Bounti
- Caitlin Tierney, Sprouts
Continuing their service as members of the FPFC Board of Directors are:
- Andrew Bivens, Westlake Produce Co.
- Brad Martin, Perimeter Sales & Merchandising
- Debi Orrin, Edge Sales + Retail Services
- Jake Cadwallader, Stater Bros.
- Lynnie Nojadera
- Michelle Allen-Ziegler, Pactiv/Evergreen
- Mil Mijanovic, Safeway
- Natalie J. Machado, FreshSource
- Neil Merritt, Insights with Merritt
- Shonna Lea Williams, Cardenas Markets
- Veronica Rodarte, Progressive Produce
Incoming FPFC Chair, Michael Schutt of Raley’s stated,
“I am honored to be chosen as the 2023 FPFC Chair. I am very excited to work hand-in-hand with our FPFC Board, Staff, and Committees to bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and provide value to our members making this Association even better. These past few years the FPFC Board and members have shown their strength and commitment to the success of this organization and the produce and floral industry. We are also excited to host the Past Chairs of the FPFC at “the Heist Featuring Ocean’s 58” to honor and thank them for their support and devotion to the Fresh Produce & Floral Council. This association is built on relationships, and we will continue to grow and nurture those relationships this year and beyond.”
For more information about the FPFC’s “the Heist Featuring Ocean’s 58” please email Emma@fpfc.org or 714-739-0177.
