FFVA 2007 CONVENTION

THE LATEST UPDATES!

Where can you go to get the latest on industry knowledge, re-connect with your spouse, renew old friendships and make new ones? FFVA’s 64th Annual Convention. This year, the convention, themed “Industry Crossroads” takes place at the Boca Raton Resort and Club, Sept. 16-18. Here are highlights of this year’s event:

The Annual Cracker Breakfast on Tuesday morning will kick off the convention. (For those new to the term “cracker,” it refers to early Florida cowboys who cracked whips to flush their stock out of the palmetto scrub. At least that’s one theory.)

The Packer's Tom Karst will host a discussion on industry issues at FFVA's Annual Convention.

Keynote speaker Larry Winget will keep us wide awake with his mix of humor and straight-on advice. Winget is author of two advice books, Shut Up, Stop Whining & Get a Life and It’s Called Work for a Reason. He also hosts “Big Spender,” a reality show on A&E featuring real people with money woes.

Following at 10 a.m. will be “Charting the Food Safety Course in Florida.” Experts representing the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Division and the California Leafy Green Products Handler Marketing Agreement have been invited to participate with food safety expert Dr. Martha Roberts as moderator.

Tom Karst, national editor for the trade newspaper The Packer, will host “Fresh Talk Live,” a roundtable version of Fresh Talk, his daily blog on the produce industry. Scheduled for Tuesday at 11:15 a.m., this informative session will highlight key industry issues such as immigration reform, the farm bill and food safety. It will feature respected experts including United Fresh Produce Association President Tom Stenzel, Western Growers President Tom Nassif, Texas Produce Association’s John McClung, and FFVA President Mike Stuart.

A third session, “Risk Management - The Key Word is Management,” will feature panelists knowledgeable in crop, facilities and financial risk mitigation at 2:15 p.m.

Florida Ag commissioner Charles Bronson will speak at the Awards Lunch at FFVA's Annual Convention.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson is scheduled to be keynote speaker at the Awards Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday. During the luncheon, FFVA will hand out its industry awards and present two scholarships -- the Syngenta award and the new George F. Sorn Scholarship -- to deserving students.

You’ll also get a chance to look over and bid on silent auction items throughout the day. The items will be displayed in the foyer adjacent to the meeting rooms, so stop by at your leisure. By bidding on auction items, you not only land yourself a wonderful gift, experience or service, you also provide important support for the Redlands Christian Migrant Association. RCMA provides child care and education to children of farmworkers and other rural low-income wage earners. The proceeds are matched 16-to-1 by state and federal funding, so your donation can make a big difference in a child’s life.

You won’t want to miss the theme party that caps off the convention. This year we’re heading back in time for a little “Groovin’ in the ‘60s and ‘70s.” Don’t forget to bring a vintage tie-dyed shirt or maybe that peace sign necklace that’s still in the back of the jewelry box. There’ll be plenty of time to dance to oldies played by the Mystery Band – always a big hit at FFVA conventions.

Other highlights of the convention include your choice of golf, tennis or fishing activities and tournaments on Monday, a shopping and lunch excursion to Palm Beach, bingo, special receptions and more.

If you haven’t registered yet, take a moment to call Billi Butler at (321) 214-5200. See you there!