PRESS RELEASE

Newark, Del. – Center for Growing Talent (CGT) is pleased to announce the new theme for Women’s Fresh Perspectives events for 2019: I WILL. With this, CGT launches a new year of leadership development for women. Each year, the Center for Growing Talent’s (CGT) charitable contributions from industry professionals and organizations ensures their ability to provide premier talent development programs and solutions for the produce and floral industry. This Industry Talent Fund supports programs for individuals at all levels of their professional journey, offering a singular opportunity to many for leadership and executive development specifically framed for those working in the produce and floral industry.

“Our mission is to help businesses in our industry thrive by building up their greatest asset, its people,” said CGT Vice President, Alicia Calhoun.  “Research shows that more women in leadership helps fuel a company’s success and this is just one reason why we are committed to providing personal and professional growth opportunities for women all year.”

While the conference is the keystone event of the year, CGT regularly brings together industry members to advance and celebrate the contributions of women to produce, floral, and beyond. This includes a networking reception at Foodservice conference in July, the Women’s Catalyst Award, and the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Leadership Breakfast at PMA Fresh Summit every October. The I WILL! theme will extend throughout all programming in 2019.

“I WILL is all about what propels us forward in our work and our lives,” said Leslie Simmons, Vice President at Dave’s Specialty Imports and co-chair of the WFP Advisory Committee. “It is an active promise full of change and possibility. We've been challenging ourselves for the last two years to "Own It!" and this new theme is a bold step forward toward all that we can achieve. As we transition to I WILL, I can’t think of a better way to usher in the message at the Conference than with our keynote speaker Rachel Hollis.”

Rachel Hollis is a speaker, CCO of the Hollis Company, and NYT best-selling author of the books Girl, Wash your Face and Girl, Stop Apologizing.  In her session, Hollis will speak about identifying, developing, and applying the skills it takes to stand out in your field.

 “The entire conference experience, including the sessions and speakers, is designed with the fresh produce and floral industry in mind,” said Julie Lucido, CEO of Marketing Plus and co-chair of the WFP Advisory Committee.  “It means attendees will come back to their organizations ready to make an immediate, lasting impact.” 

The annual Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference (WFPC), is in its 7^th  year and was the first of its kind offering professional and personal development for women across the entire supply chain at all professional levels.  This year the event will be held April 14-16, 2019 in San Antonio, TX.  Registration is now open.