P.O. Box 948153
Maitland, FL 32794
www.ffva.com

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ray Gilmer or Barbara Wunder 321-214-5200

KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS' FUTURE AT FFVA'S 62ND ANNUAL CONVENTION

A respected advisor to corporate and governmental leaders says agricultural producers need to pay attention to changing demographics and emerging technologies to remain competitive. Futurist Ed Barlow will share his insights as keynote speaker at Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association's (FFVA) 62nd Annual Convention, September 25 - 27, at the Omni Resort at ChampionsGate, near Orlando.

His presentation, titled "The Road Ahead for Florida Agriculture," will focus on the ways that operations of all sizes can stay ahead of future trends. "An important component will be succession planning both in large corporations and in small family-owned business settings," Barlow said. "That means -- what will the knowledge and competencies of the next generation of leaders need to be to help that organization be successful?"

Barlow, President of Creating the Future, Inc., a Michigan-based research and consulting firm, advises clients representing a variety of industries, government entities, and not-for-profit organizations. They include: Abbott Laboratories, American Hospital Association, Blockbuster, Federal Express, Hewlett Packard, Kimberly Clark, U.S. Navy, Lockheed Martin, Marriott, Whirlpool Corporation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Assn. of Zoos and Aquariums, and the Federal Judicial Institute.

"Ed predicted many of the trade dynamics we are experiencing today such as the emergence of Asian markets. And he has always had a clear eye on labor and the environment," said FFVA President Mike Stuart. "We're excited that he'll be with us at ChampionsGate," Stuart said.

Barlow's professional experience includes high-level positions in the healthcare industry and higher education. He has also testified before Congress on several occasions regarding issues of workforce, transportation, travel and tourism. He holds a master's degree in management from the University of Notre Dame.

"The major areas that we need to monitor are globalization, new science and technology, and changing demographics. There isn't any industry or profession or community that is exempt from these changes," said Barlow.

Barlow is scheduled to speak at the convention's traditional "Cracker Breakfast," Tuesday, September 27, at 7:30 a.m. To register for the convention and to learn more about events scheduled, visit www.ffva.com or call (321) 214-5200.

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