Dan'l Mackey Almy to be honored at United's Reception Honoring Women in Produce

: April 06, 2012

Dan'l Mackey Almy, president of Irving, TX-based DMA Solutions Inc., will be the guest speaker at United Fresh Produce Association's 15th annual Reception Honoring Women in Produce, Wednesday, May 2, at United Fresh 2012 in Dallas.

Dan'l Mackey Almy

Held each year in conjunction with the United Fresh convention and expo, the Reception Honoring Women in Produce 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 15 years.

"Dan'l's passion has influenced everyone around her from the first day she entered the produce industry," United Fresh President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Stenzel said in an April 5 press release. "Today, she continues to inspire through her creative vision and innovative strategies that guide successful marketing initiatives for many companies, and also drive industry success whether promoting produce to celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres or raising funds for salad bars in schools. Dan'l is a shining example that there are no limits to what one can achieve with passion."

Ms. Mackey Almy was raised in a small Texas town, where early involvement in the local 4-H club developed her leadership skills and dedication to the agriculture industry. While working toward her degree in agricultural business from Texas A&M University, she became intrigued with the intricacies of marketing agricultural products, specifically fresh produce.

Armed with passion and persistence, Ms. Mackey Almy accepted a job in 1995 at Standard Fruit & Vegetable in Dallas. She quickly climbed the ranks to director of marketing, accepting responsibility for all marketing initiatives, including the development and execution of a corporate marketing plan. She then advanced to the position of vice president at Fresh Del Monte Produce, overseeing the Walmart & Sam's accounts for North America.

In 2004, Ms. Mackey Almy founded DMA Solutions Inc., a creative marketing group that has helped to bolster the image of fresh produce by connecting producers and consumers, and helping to differentiate fresh produce in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

"I am honored to speak at the 15th annual Reception Honoring Women in Produce," Ms. Mackey Almy said in the press release. "I have such respect for the people who grow our nation's food and am constantly seeking new ways to promote their hard work - fresh fruits and vegetables - in the most honest, exciting way possible. The industry has given me remarkable opportunities, and I feel so blessed to be able to share my journey and aspirations with others."

Ms. Mackey Almy's experience in the fresh fruit and vegetable industry has given her the foundation to contribute to the produce industry in a variety of ways. She serves as chairman of the United Fresh Produce Association Nutrition & Health Council, as member of the board of directors and as co-chair of the United Fresh 2012 Host Committee. Additionally, she serves on the Produce Marketing Association's Foundation for Industry Talent Campaign Committee and the YottaMark Inc. advisory board. Her previous honors include the 2009 Outstanding Alumni Award presented by the United Fresh Leadership Alumni Organization.

Past honorees include:

• Tonya Antle of Tanimura & Antle.

• Frieda Rapoport Caplan of Frieda's Inc.

• Margaret D'Arrigo of D'Arrigo Bros. of California.

• Jan DeLyser of the California Avocado Commission.

• Jan Fleming of Strube Celery & Vegetable Co.

• Janice Honigberg of Sun Belle Inc.

• Lorri Koster of Mann Packing Co.

• Kathleen Nave of the California Table Grape Commission.

• Dr. Martha Rhodes-Roberts of the University of Florida's Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences.

• Heather Shavey of Costco Wholesale.

• Steffanie Smith of River Point Farms LLC.