Overcoming challenges that impair profitability is the focus of an education track offered at the United Fresh Produce Association’s virtual Reimagine Conversations event.
Sponsored by Castellini, the track features discussions about the complex challenges the produce supply chain faces as operators seek continuity and growth.
Sessions include:
Worker Safety Requirements – What You Need to Know: June 4, 11 a.m. to noon Eastern — This session looks at COVID-19 federal, state and local requirements, how long they will be in place and more.
Filling the Needs of the Post-Harvest Workforce: An Industry Roundtable Discussion: June 11, 11 a.m. to noon Eastern — This session will consider the effects of labor shortages at farm level and also labor challenges faced by wholesalers, distributors, retailers and restaurants.
- Moderator: Steve Grinstead, CEO, FreshEdge
- Speakers: Judy Clark, CEO, Fresh Texas; Kathleen Quandee, VP of human resources, Pacific Coast Fruit Co.; Ravi Subramanian, VP of talent acquisition, US Foods; and Austin Vogler, manager of talent, culture and human resources, Coborns Inc.
Transportation for the Future: June 18, 11 a.m. to noon Eastern — This session will explore challenges in the transportation landscape, and how the industry is testing innovative solutions to prepare for future challenges.
- Moderator: Jeff Moore, vice president of sales, Tom Lange
- Speakers: Todd Bernitt, vice president of managed services for Robinson Fresh; Ed Fitzgerald, director of trade services, GEODIS; and Brian Kocher, president and CEO of Castellini.
Understanding Technology for Cold Chain Management Success: June 25, 11 a.m. to noon Eastern — From farm to the “last mile” of distribution, this session will explore how new technologies and practices can help drive cold chain success.
- Moderator: Matt Ott, president and CEO, Global Cold Chain Alliance
Planning for Uncertainty and Reacting to Change: June 29, 2-3 p.m. Eastern — Looking at how top industry leaders confront uncertainty and change, this session will hear from leaders who have successfully navigated a radical shift in their business operations, and how advance planning and the willingness to adjust helped them navigate and overcome disruption.
- Moderator: Danny Dumas, president of USA for Courchesne Larose Ltee.
- Speakers: Michael Muzyk, president of Baldor Specialty Foods; and Mayda Sotomayor-Kirk, CEO of Seald Sweet LLC.
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