SAVE THE DATE!
March 2-6, 2014 l Glendale, Arizona
Successful On-Campus Experience Concludes.
The third group of amazing young professionals has completed the campus portion of the Emerging Leaders Program at the Thunderbird School of Global Management. This year’s program continued the strong global and supply chain representation which enhances the ELP experience by bringing together diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Throughout the four days, participants enjoyed the group camaraderie and the out-of-the-box thinking. They took advantage of the multiple opportunities to tap into the expertise, both personal and professional, of our industry leaders, and formed lasting relationships with their colleagues.
Up next – two webinars, a personal leadership coaching session, concluding with the capstone session and graduation at PMA’s Fresh Summit in New Orleans.
Meet the Leaders of Tomorrow: ELP Class of 2013
Tip Murphy Scholarship Winners
Blog from ELP On-Campus Program
View the 2013 Emerging Leaders Program Participant Blog
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Everyday, companies in the produce industry are faced with many business issues that are key to their survival. None of these are more important, nor challenging, than finding, developing and retaining top talent. With the goal of ensuring a continued pipeline of qualified and capable leaders, PMA Foundation, in partnership with the prestigious Thunderbird School of Global Management, designed an Emerging Leaders Program to prepare high potential leaders to embrace increasing levels of responsibility and ready them for the challenges and the opportunities that will accompany future leadership roles within the industry.
Throughout this multifaceted program that includes a newly expanded four day “on campus” component, online modules and a capstone course at PMA’s Fresh Summit, one of the most important platforms for understanding and connecting with the global fresh produce supply chain, participants will:
- Access some of the most elite business minds and leaders in and outside the industry
- Hone cross-functional skills through real-world simulations, case studies, group exercises and discussions
- Network with peers from across the supply chain
- Examine business practices through a global lens
- Gain strategic thinking skills necessary to become a more effective leader in current and future roles
- Build valuable relationships with peers throughout the global produce supply chain that will last for many years
Start to finish, the Emerging Leaders Program is a learning-infused leadership experience that will “catapult participant’s thinking and leadership abilities”.
Check back for 2014 Schedule!
Who is right for the Emerging Leaders Program?
The right mix of participants is critical in creating an environment where all experiences and perspectives are exchanged, and a broad view of the world–wide industry landscape can be brought into focus. As space is limited to 36 rising stars, applicants for the 2013 program will be selected based on meeting a majority of the criteria below:
| 1. Age range – 27-35 (+/- 2 years) 2. 5-10 years professional experience 3. Cross functional background 4. Recruited from across the industry 5. High potentials/go-to individuals/seen naturally as a leader 6. Strive to go beyond their job description |
Note: Proficiency in English, both oral and written, is essential for successful participation.
Thank You to our 2013 Sponsors!
Founding Sponsor:
Presenting Sponsors:
Class Photos
2013
2012
2011
Participant Testimonials
“I think every young professional in the produce industry should take this program. It encompasses every topic you could potentially be faced with in our industry.”
Mike Lamson, To-Jo Mushrooms, Class of 2013
“The PMA Foundation (note: I added “Foundation”; she just had PMA) Emerging Leaders Program is an invaluable professional training experience for any leader in produce. I cannot imagine a more robust and thorough primer on all key business management skills, taught to such a vibrant, intelligent group of professionals.”
Kate Elliott, Walmart, Class of 2013
“The ELP connected me with some of the best and brightest in the global produce supply chain. I learned things and met people that will affect my life forever!!”
Tommy Rowlands, R.S. Hanline Company, Class of 2013
“The course helped show me what type of person I am now and how to become the leader I look to be.”
Fernando Aguiar, Naturipe Farms, Class of 2013
“This is a great program that challenges you, excites you and inspires you all at once. You meet great people you hope to know for the rest of your career.”
Cassie Drake, Sunkist Growers, Class of 2013
“It takes a pipeline, and that’s what was so great about (the Emerging Leaders Program), is that there is a conscious effort to recruit and train leaders to provide them the skill sets they need.”
Kathleen Merrigan, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Class of 2013
“The Emerging Leaders Program was an invaluable experience–giving me the ability to participate in real life produce business situations, interact with key professionals and gain extreme passion and pride for the industry I work within.”
Laura Kornegay, Nash Produce, Class of 2012
“The Emerging Leaders Program is a great opportunity for future leaders to be exposed to elements of their industry that they normally would not see.”
Lance Freeman
, Sunkist Growers, Class of 2012
“The PMA Foundation Emerging Leaders Program provided me with an environment and resources to build me as a future leader in the produce industry. I do not believe I could have found this opportunity anywhere else.”
Ben Reilly, Giumarra, Class of 2011
“This program is an amazing opportunity to network and have a broad vision of the industry.”
Ana Allamand, Exportadora Subsole, S. A., Class of 2011
“This was one thorough and intense learning opportunity which left an immense impression on our candidate about all the complexities in the decision making an operation can face plus team dynamics. I was honored to be a part of this…”
Dave Corsi, Wegmans, 2011 Thought Leaders Panel