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Three-year sponsorship deal heralds bright new phase for Produce Executive Program
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
PMA A-NZ News
The Institute of Food and Grocery Management's very popular Produce Executive Program (PEP) looks set to move to a bright new phase with the announcement that PMA Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ) will support the program as its new lead sponsor.
Under the three-year deal, every attendee will receive a contribution from PMA A-NZ towards the cost of the course, with an additional contribution if the attendee is a PMA A-NZ member. The sponsorship has also been extended to cover participants from New Zealand.
According to Michael Worthington, CEO of PMA A-NZ, the move was a natural one for PMA A-NZ, who has a strong commitment to attracting, developing and retaining talented employees for the fresh produce industry.
“We are delighted to announce that as from 2012, PMA A-NZ will be the lead sponsor of the very successful and popular Produce Executive Program, held annually at Mt Eliza" he said.
"PMA A-NZ is committed to supporting programs that develop talented people in our industry across Australia and New Zealand, and we see PEP as one such program. We are excited about partnering with them to provide this vital training opportunity and to help retain good people in our industry" he added.
PMA A-NZ and the PEP have formed a strong relationship over the past 10 years and Dr Melinda Muth, Managing Director of the IFGM, says the sponsorship was an opportunity to strengthen ties further between the two organisations.
"Many PMA members have attended PEP in the past ten years. PMA board member Michael Simonetta attended the very first PEP program so the relationship between PEP and PMA has grown over the years.
"The sponsorship cements the close working relationship between PMA and IFGM and helps support collaboration on program content to ensure its relevance to PMA members" she said.
The move will not only extend the number of opportunities available to participants; but assist the PEP to stay on top of industry issues.
"With PMA A-NZ sponsorship we are able to assist a wider range of participants with their development investment. In the past, sponsorship was only open to Australian participants but we can now offer assistance to those from New Zealand" said Dr Muth.
"We have agreed to collaborate with PMA A-NZ on ideas for course materials, access to guest speakers and finding new talent development opportunities. Working closely with PMA will help us stay on top of industry issues and keep PEP relevant to participants across the supply chain" she added.
As always, the 2012 program is shaping up to impress, incorporating faculty lectures, in-depth case studies, field trips, workshops on issues and opportunities, group discussions and guest presentations by leading industry figures.
"We have been working on ideas for our case studies with major retailers and building a stronger experience of working in teams during PEP" said Dr Muth.
The 2012 program brochure will be released in March. Demand for the program is high and places limited so prospective participants are encouraged to get in early to secure their spot. For more information and to book online, visit http://www.ifgm.com.au.
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About PMA Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ)
Founded in 2009, PMA Australia-New Zealand is the first international affiliate of Produce Marketing Association (PMA), the leading global fresh produce and floral industries’ trade association. PMA A-NZ’s membership comprises fruit, vegetable and floral companies across the value chain in Australia and New Zealand; from seed companies and growers through to wholesalers and retailers. For more information, visit www.pma-anz.com.
About the Institute of Food & Grocery Management (IFGM)
The Institute of Food & Grocery Management is a collaboration of industry leaders and faculty from a number of educational institutions and business schools with expertise in the fresh food, grocery and FMCG industries. We provide stimulating, practical and rewarding executive education programs to help managers develop new skills, build their networks and explore leading edge developments from around the world. For more information, visit www.ifgm.com.au
About the Produce Executive Program (PEP)
An Industry Executive Program run by the Institute of Food & Grocery Management, the Produce Executive Program is for middle to senior managers across the supply chain and from all segments of the fruit, vegetable, flower, nut and nursery industries. The program provides a unique opportunity to network and address current business and industry issues with an informed international faculty and recognised industry leaders. For more information, visit www.ifgm.com.au/learning/programs/ifgm/produce-executive
