PMA Fresh Connections to Showcase Traceability
Produce Marketing Association’s “Fresh Connections: Minneapolis” event will provide Twin Cities-area produce industry members the chance to learn from PMA experts about critical steps needed to make the new Produce Traceability Initiative vision a reality, and how those steps affect the bottom line.
The event also will give attendees opportunity to connect with regional buyers and suppliers. PMA Fresh Connections: Minneapolis is being held May 11, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hilton Minneapolis.
The event will offer an informative and interactive one-day program with PMA’s traceability expert, Ed Treacy, VP of supply chain efficiencies. Treacy will discuss PTI Milestones’ details and 2011 timelines, and how these Milestones affect every company receiving inbound product. Particular attention will be given to understanding upcoming Milestones 5 and 6, and what steps attendees need to take to maintain compliancy. Participants will also benefit from first-hand success stories throughout the supply chain shared by early adopters. Attendees will also hear why retail and foodservice buyers alike are supporting PTI and why waiting for new legislation on traceability is not the best business decision.
“PMA Fresh Connections events on traceability give us a direct line to trusted answers on current legislation, PTI developments and real-world solutions for our businesses,” said Rich Thoma, Yerecic Label VP of sales. “The event’s intimate exchange between traceability expert Ed Treacy and local supply chain members will generate a better understanding about what PTI is and what it is not and about what’s needed to achieve supply-chain wide electronic traceability in order to best protect and advance our business interests.”
The event format also will include ample opportunity for attendees to ask questions and receive answers about issues they are having in their own food safety and traceability initiatives.
PMA’s Fresh Connections events are designed to reach out to members in their own backyards with business-building news and information, and to provide prospective members the opportunity to learn firsthand about the benefits of PMA membership and community.
Seating is limited, and open to both PMA members and potential members. Advance registration fee for members is $150 and potential members for $225; Gold Circle contributors receive an additional $50 off the member rate. Advance registration deadline is May 6, and on-site registration will be available.
Learn more by visiting PMA’s website or by contacting PMA’s Shara Stewart at (302) 738-7100 or [email protected].
Founded in 1949, the Produce Marketing Association is the leading trade association representing nearly 3,000 companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain.