Dan’l Mackey Almy Headlines Women in Produce Event

Dan’l Mackey Almy, president of Irving, Texas-based DMA Solutions Inc., will be the guest speaker at United Fresh Produce Association’s 15th annual Reception Honoring Women in Produce, Wednesday, May 2, at United Fresh 2012 in Dallas.

Held each year in conjunction with the United Fresh convention and expo, the reception honoring Women in Produce recognizes the contributions of all women working in the produce industry, and selects one individual to share their personal experience of service. The featured speaker is selected from nominations submitted by United Fresh members across the industry and reviewed by a committee of her peers, including honorees from the past 15 years.

“Dan’l’s passion has influenced everyone around her from the first day she entered the produce industry,” said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel. “Today, she continues to inspire through her creative vision and innovative strategies that guide successful marketing initiatives for many companies, and also drive industry success whether promoting produce to celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres or raising funds for salad bars in schools. Dan’l is a shining example that there are no limits to what one can achieve with passion.”

“I am honored to speak at the 15th annual Reception Honoring Women in Produce,” said Mackey Almy. “I have such respect for the people who grow our nation’s food and am constantly seeking new ways to promote their hard work – fresh fruits and vegetables – in the most honest, exciting way possible. The industry has given me remarkable opportunities, and I feel so blessed to be able to share my journey and aspirations with others.”

Raised in a small Texas town, Mackey Almy’s early involvement in the local 4-H club developed her leadership skills and dedication to the agriculture industry. While working toward her degree in agricultural business from Texas A&M University, Mackey Almy became intrigued with the intricacies of marketing agricultural products, specifically fresh produce.

Armed with passion and persistence, she accepted a job in 1995 at Standard Fruit & Vegetable in Dallas. She quickly climbed the ranks to director of marketing, accepting responsibility for all marketing initiatives, including the development and execution of a corporate marketing plan. Mackey Almy then advanced to the position of vice president at Fresh Del Monte Produce, overseeing the Wal-Mart & Sam's accounts for North America.

In 2004, she founded DMA Solutions, Inc., a creative marketing group that has helped to bolster the image of fresh produce by connecting producers and consumers, and helping to differentiate fresh produce in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Mackey Almy’s experience in the fresh fruit and vegetable industry has given her the foundation to contribute to the produce industry in a variety of impactful ways. She serves as chairman of the United Fresh Produce Association Nutrition & Health Council, as member of the board and as co-chair of the United Fresh 2012 Host Committee. Additionally, she serves on the Produce Marketing Association’s Foundation for Industry Talent Campaign Committee and the YottaMark, Inc. Advisory Board. Her previous honors include the 2009 Outstanding Alumni Award presented by the United Fresh Leadership Alumni Organization, among others.

The annual Reception Honoring Women in Produce has established itself as one of the most popular networking events at the association’s annual convention. This year’s special 15th annual event will be held Wednesday, May 2 at the Dallas Convention Center. Tickets are required for the event, as either part of a Convention package registration, or can be purchased onsite for $50.

Past honorees include:

•Tonya Antle, Tanimura & Antle
•Frieda Rapoport Caplan, Frieda’s, Inc.
•Margaret D’Arrigo, D’Arrigo Brothers of California
•Jan DeLyser, California Avocado Commission
•Jan Fleming, Strube Celery & Vegetable Company
•Janice Honigberg, Sun Belle, Inc.
•Lorri Koster, Mann Packing Company
• Kathleen Nave, California Table Grape Commission
•Dr. Martha Rhodes-Roberts, University of Fla., Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
•Heather Shavey, Costco Wholesale
•Steffanie Smith, River Point Farms, LLC
•Mayda Sotomayor-Kirk, Seald-Sweet LLC
•Rosemary Talley, Talley Farms
•Jenney Tenney, The Kroger Co.