United to honor baby carrot pioneer at Women in Produce event
Lisa McNeece, vice president, foodservice and industrial sales, of Grimmway Enterprises, will be the guest speaker at the United Fresh Produce Association’s annual Reception Honoring Women in Produce, Wednesday, May 15, at United Fresh 2013 in San Diego.
Held each year in conjunction with the United Fresh convention and expo, the reception recognizes the contributions of all women working in the produce industry, and selects one individual to share their personal experience of service. The featured speaker is selected from nominations submitted by United Fresh members across the industry and reviewed by a committee of her peers, including honorees from the past 16 years.
“Lisa’s passion for the industry is evident in her continued leadership and creative business development. She always has the big picture in mind and recognizes that what is good for the industry is great for Grimmway,” said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel. “She inspires young members in the produce industry as an impeccable example of leading with and decisiveness and a fresh, strong commitment to any project or function she is involved in. Lisa has demonstrated this recently by going above and beyond in her role as co-chair of the ‘Let’s Move Salad Bars to California Schools’ campaign and her dedication to improving child nutrition.”
McNeece joined Grimmway in 1991 to coordinate between sales and production for a newly introduced item called baby peeled carrots. For the past 22 years, she has driven their tremendous market growth. In her current position, McNeece navigates business development and the bulk sales of carrots to processors all over the country for use in salads, snack packs and large foodservice operations such as schools. Grimmway is one of the world’s largest carrot shippers, and a pioneer in creating and marketing the baby carrot.
“It is a tremendous honor to be part of this outstanding event that celebrates women in the produce industry,” said McNeece. “The Women in Produce reception is always one of my favorite events at the United Fresh convention; I go every year to connect with my peers and to learn from them. I’m looking forward to sharing my story!”
Beyond her success in carrot marketing, McNeece serves on the United Fresh Board of Directors and the United Fresh Nutrition & Health Council, and has been a driving force as a co-chair of the “Let’s Move Salad Bars to California Schools” campaign. McNeece has served on the Produce Marketing Association’s Board of Directors, Foodservice Board, and Foundation for Industry Talent Campaign Committee. Additionally, she has served on the Produce for Better Health Foundation’s executive and foundation boards, and has lent her expertise to the Western Growers and the USDA Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee.
The annual Reception Honoring Women in Produce will be held Wednesday, May 15 at the San Diego Convention Center. Tickets are required for the event, as part of a convention package registration or purchased onsite for $50.
