Company Press Release – The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) is celebrating the 50th Nogales Produce Convention and Golf Tournament. The Convention will be held November 1-3, 2018 in Tubac, Arizona, located just north of the largest port of entry for fresh fruits and vegetables from Mexico. The convention will include numerous activities, panels, and educational sessions to bring the industry together.
“So many times, visitors to the FPAA convention have remarked that this is the most festive, fun event on their calendar. This year we are pulling out all the stops to make it even more special. We are planning folklorico dancers, a celebrity chef appearance and more,” said FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer.
To start with, because this is the 50th year celebration, the FPAA will be featuring pictures and other remembrances from past events. Additionally, FPAA will recognize and honor an individual who has been integral to the success of the gala event, which features a reception, elegant sit-down dinner, dancing, entertainment and much more. The “Pillars of the FPAA” Award is given to those who have volunteered their time and effort to the industry as well as demonstrated innovation and integrity throughout their career.
“It is fitting, as FPAA celebrates its 50th Fall Convention, that this year’s Pillar of the FPAA has spent so many years helping plan the event,” said FPAA Chairman Scott Vandervoet of Vandervoet and Associates. “We are extremely pleased to honor longtime association member Rosie Favela Cornelius as a Pillar of the FPAA.”
The 50th Nogales Convention will also feature helicopter rides over the Nogales warehouse districts, the Mariposa Port of Entry and a flyover of the MMT Observatory in the Santa Rita Mountains.
A Surprise Guest: This year a celebrity chef is expected to help the FPAA commemorate the 3rd Annual Culinary Showcase, Top Dishes Out of Mexico’s Top Produce. The identity of the chef will be revealed soon. At this event, join us to sample unique and tasty culinary creations from chefs and culinary teams, all featuring the wonderful flavors of Mexican produce. This event, which is open to the public, is sponsored by the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas and the Mexican Consulate of Nogales, Arizona.
The speakers and valuable education sessions will be held on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 and are a good way for visitors to immerse themselves in the Nogales produce industry and the global initiatives and opportunities in the business.
The following is a snapshot of some of the sessions:
Speeding up the Wheels of Commerce – U.S. Customs and Border Protection continues to work to streamline commercial border crossings, all while keeping the nation secure. From Unified Cargo Processing, to pilot programs to scan 100% of commercial cargo, to an overhaul of the trusted trader programs, learn more from invited speaker Bradley Hayes, Executive Director of the Office of Trade Relations at the Department of Homeland Security.
Produce Industry Ethical Charter – Responding to social and market concerns regarding worker social responsibility, the fresh produce industry has launched a broad Ethical Charter, spearheaded by the Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Produce Association. PMA President Cathy Burns will walk us through the responsibilities and benefits of this groundbreaking program.
The FPAA is very excited for this year’s convention. The three-day event offers attendees the opportunity to hear from a diverse group of experienced speakers and plenty of fun to go around. With nearly five decades of experience, the 2018 Fresh Produce Convention and Golf Tournament promises to not only live up to, but to exceed everyone’s expectations. This year’s 50th Nogales Produce Convention will be a historic event you won’t want to miss!
The FPAA Convention will be held at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, which is located a few miles north of Nogales, Arizona. Tubac is also conveniently located just 45 minutes south of the Tucson International Airport. Companies interested in registering for the event or that have more questions are encouraged to contact the FPAA office at (520) 287-2707 or visit www.freshfrommexico.com.
About the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas:
The FPAA is a nonprofit trade association headquartered in Nogales, Arizona, that represents over 120 U.S. member companies involved in growing, packing, sales and transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Mexico. The FPAA leverages the efforts of private companies and partner-associations to increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetable from Mexico.
Contact: Lance Jungmeyer, 520-287-2707
