Convention preview – FFVA
2010
It’s the eve of a new decade, and Florida’s agriculture
industry faces serious challenges. Growers have already dealt with
– among other hurdles – the fallout from a disastrous season
of inclement weather, disappointing vetoes from the governor, and
increased threats from more and new pests and diseases.
The future holds even more uncertainties: how healthcare reform will
affect agricultural employers, the threat of unattainable water quality
standards set by EPA, increased food safety regulations, additional
difficulties securing a legal workforce, and much more.
It’s time to get together with others in the industry to
collectively make sense of the past and prepare for the future. FFVA
2010, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s 67th annual
convention, provides that opportunity.
Held Sept. 19-21 at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples -- a favorite
venue of FFVA members -- this year’s convention is all about
timeliness and relevance. It’s also a great place to network with
others in the industry and enjoy yourself.
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Speaker Chris Trimble inspires innovation.
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FFVA 2010 will feature inspiring speakers such as Chris Trimble. From
his experiences in the U.S. Navy, a decade of rigorous research, and
working shoulder-to-shoulder with corporate leaders (most recently CEO
Jeff Immelt at General Electric) the Dartmouth professor and author
understands the profile of the new innovation hero. His stories will
challenge you to set your aspirations higher, and he’s ready to
give you the new ideas and new tools that you need to win.
Also invited to speak is USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, subject to
last-minute schedule changes.
Issues forums cover what's important
FFVA 2010’s issues forums take place Monday afternoon and
Tuesday morning. Here’s what’s in store:
Sales innovation: Having what it takes
(Why sales people fail and how to fix it)
Any company wanting to survive and thrive in today’s dynamic
global marketplace must be nimble and proactive. Pressures on the bottom
line increase every season. The same sales and management framework that
worked for years may be in need of an overhaul. Bring members of your
sales and marketing team to find out how to infuse valuable energy and
innovation into your organization.
Food safety: An industry priority
Much is happening on the food safety front: Several bills have been
proposed in Congress. Work continues on an industry-led traceability
initiative to ensure effective product traceback. An effort is under way
to harmonize GAP audits to ease growers’ “audit
fatigue.” A panel of experts will provide the latest information
and a look at what’s ahead.
New ways to market: Harnessing social media
If you think social media has no place in the agriculture industry,
think again. Companies are learning to use the power of Facebook and
Twitter to expand their reach. But where to start? Take a step out of
your comfort zone and find out how to make these tools work for you in
this new world of media.
A chance to meet new industry friends and catch up with
old ones
FFVA’s conventions are well-known for providing opportunities
to catch up with friends and network with colleagues. Several events on
the schedule mix business and pleasure: the Chairman’s Reception,
the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation golf tournament, and the fishing
expedition in the backwaters of 10,000 Islands.
Spouses and guests are invited to register for this year’s very
special Monday activity – a cooking demonstration and lunch at
Roy’s restaurant, near the spectacular waterfront walking pier and
Fifth Avenue shops. Chef Eric will provide an exciting step-by-step
culinary demonstration with special wines selected for each savory
course. Participants will leave with the menus, recipes and knowledge to
create this delicious meal at home.
Benefit auction to aid farmworkers'
children
Through its annual benefit auction and “Above and Beyond”
donations, the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation has generated more than
$400,000 for deserving charities since 2003. This year’s
beneficiary is the Redlands Christian Migrant Association. Browse and
bid on a fabulous selection of sports items, travel packages, wine
selections and more -- all for a great cause. You’ll find items
conveniently displayed throughout the convention outside the meeting
rooms.
And after the bidding ends, we’ll serve a delicious dinner with
music and dancing as a grand finale to the convention.
For more details and to register, visit the convention website at www.ffva.com/ffva2010 or call
(321) 214-5200. You also may register by phone. In addition, brochures
have been mailed to members and many of our industry friends, so feel
free to fill out the form and mail it to us. Be a part of FFVA 2010 and
help prepare yourself and your company for the challenges of the next
decade.
Thank you to all sponsors that have joined us so far. To
learn more about sponsorship opportunities, call Mike Aerts at (321)
214-5200.
Exclusive
Bayer CropScience
Syngenta Crop Protection/Rogers Seed
Platinum
Dana Investment Advisors, Inc.
DowAgroSciences
DuPont Crop Protection
FFVA AIM
FFVA Mutual Insurance Co.
Gold
BASF
Chemical Dynamics, Inc.
Cohen Florida
FMC Corporation
Helena Chemical Company
Monsanto
Rabo AgriFinance
STOPS Enterprises
The Andersons, Inc.
Silver
Arysta LifeScience NA, LLC
BB Hobbs Company
Edwards Construction Services, Inc.
Elberta Crate & Box Company
Farm Credit
Gowan Company
Oertel, Fernandez, Cole & Bryant, P.A.
Rain and Hail L.L.C.
Stallings Crop Insurance & Pro Ag
UPI, Inc.
Bronze
Advent Capital Management
Dean, Ringers, Morgan & Lawton, P.A.
Diamond R Fertilizer Co., Inc.
Glades Crop Care, Inc.
Hendrix & Dail, Inc.
Lewis & Neale, Inc.
Donations
Everglades Farm Equipment Co., Inc.
FTN Financial
HY-Yield Products, LLC