August 13, 2015

PMA Foundation High Performance Management Conference set for Sept. 14

Now in its third year, Produce Marketing Association Foundation for Industry Talent’s (PMA Foundation) High Performance Management Conference (HPMC) offers produce and floral industry members a chance to reinforce training for their managers and other mid-level positions. HPMC, set for Sept. 14-17 in Chicago, encourages participants to gain visibility, build relationships with peers across the supply chain and enhance business and interpersonal skills as central to helping them thrive.

“This conference is about refinement,” said F. Scott Fein, Northeast region supply group manager with Robinson Fresh and past HPMC participant. “If [mid-level managers] want to learn, be engaged and meet people who potentially are the next level of leadership in this industry in a comfortable setting, then this is the place for you.

“It’s really important that [mid-level managers] don’t get undervalued and lost in the shuffle when you’re only focusing on senior management or your new stars that you’re really excited about,” said Marc Solomon, senior vice president of procurement at Capespan North America and PMA Foundation board member. “Meanwhile, it’s middle managers who are really keeping the house in order.”

A combination of educational sessions, computer simulations, scenario-based learning and small group exercises focus on topics such as:

  • Macro trends: PMA CEO Bryan Silbermann will provide an outside-in perspective on the macro picture of the global economy, today’s business world and key trends linking back to produce and floral.
  • Food safety: PMA Chief Science and Technology Officer Bob Whitaker will explore how to be prepared and compliant with Food Safety Modernization Act regulations.
  • Crisis management: Bob McNaney, PadillaCRT vice president of crisis and critical issues, will teach participants how to react to a crisis in order to mitigate the threat to your organization.
  • Business acumen: Robert Brodo, Advantexe Learning Solutions executive vice president and co-founder will focus on analyzing financial statements and identifying links between strategy and finance.
  • Horizontal and vertical management: Leadership consultant Andy Neillie will cover the key strategies to communicate, persuade and establish accountability.

For more information on program details, sponsorship opportunities or to register, visit the PMA Foundation’s website.





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