2017 Stepp-Up Class - Produce Marketing Association (PMA)

 (Source: Produce News) FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — The Southeast Produce Council's 2017 STEP-UPP class had the opportunity to tour fruit and vegetable fields as well as the facilities of some major well-known produce companies in southeastern Florida from Jan. 31 to Feb. 3. The trip was part of the program's ongoing learning experience for class members to develop a greater understanding of the fresh produce industry. 

The 12 members of the 2017 class on the Florida tour were Wesley Doub of Lowes/Alex Lee Inc., Brent Easley of Ahold/Delhaise, Joshua Doughty of Rouses Supermarkets, Shannon Mauldin of Merchants Distributors Inc., Megha Patel of Southeastern Grocers, Alan Smith of Harps Food Stores, Heidi Raymond of Military Produce Group, Kyle Soucy of United Supermarkets, Price Mabry of Associated Wholesale Growers, Brian Benton of Save A Lot, Mishelle Ceccon of U.S. Foods and Robert Hardin of Food City. The Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals is spearheaded by Faye Westfall, director of sales at DiMare Fresh Tampa, who serves as chairperson, and Tom Page, retired from Supervalu, who serves as vice chairperson.