Industry organizations have been in existence for many years. These groups serve the purpose of promoting product, educating people and promoting good fellowship among members.

There are thousands of organizational groups from many worldwide industries. I'll bet you never heard of some of them. I am fascinated by some of their names: the Soap & Detergent Association, International Society of Explosive Engineers, Distilled Spirits Council and the National Association of Tower Erectors.

In the produce industry, there are many organizations that serve a multitude of valuable purposes. An earlier produce group, the National League of Commission Merchants, was formed in 1893. Eventually, it merged into what is now known as the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association.

The Produce Prepackaging Association was launched in 1949, which then became the Produce Marketing Association in 1971. Today, like United, it is a produce organization of significant size worldwide.

Besides these two major organizations, there are smaller regional groups representing specific geographical areas. These groups support local growers, suppliers and retailers.

The Southeast Produce Council, Eastern Produce Council, New England Produce Council and the Fresh Produce & Floral Council are just a few of these organizations. A vital characteristic of these groups is the role they play in representing the best interests of their members in strengthening the industry.

I had the opportunity to discuss various programs and services with leaders of such fine groups. Among them is Terry Vorhees, executive director of the Southeast Produce Council, who told me, "Back in 1999, I approached two good friends of mine about forming a produce organization that could unite and serve the Southeast, since it is an important center for agricultural and retail growth. We went out to the retailers, growers and suppliers and ran the idea past them. After that, we went to Atlanta, where six of us met to lay the groundwork. We were known as the 'Atlanta Six. "

Mr. Vorhees added, We wanted to provide smaller farms and growers with the same networking opportunities that the larger organizations and events offer. Often, suppliers and retailers only know names, but never really see each other face to face. Our group and events allow this to easily happen.

Another key organizational leader, John McAleavey, executive director of the Eastern Produce Council, told me, Our organization has close to 400 members [which include] retailers, wholesalers, brokers and grower-shippers, is healthy and strong. This year, we will celebrate our 40th anniversary. We hold seven or eight meetings a year, where members in our organization enjoy networking with one another. Our golf outing draws 140 people and benefits charitable organizations. We have a lot of fun.

Bob McGowan, president of the New England Produce Council, said, We try to create a forum away from the office and phones for individuals in the New England region through various programs and services. We want retail members to walk away with something and take it back to the produce managers and their company employees. Our group gets together with the Eastern Produce Council, Southeast Produce Council and Fresh Produce & Floral Council at major convention events to share ideas with one another. We also keep in contact by phone and e-mail on a regular basis.

A popular group on the West Coast, the Fresh Produce & Floral Council was founded in 1965 and is comprised of companies involved in and having an interest in dealing with the fresh produce and floral industries. In 2005, the council celebrated 40 years of service to the produce and floral industries.

Linda Stine, president of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council commented, The council goes on the road and reaches out to members in Northern and Southern California. We started going to the Arizona area as well. Our annual FPFC expo and seminar is vital for local networking, which a regional organization can provide for its members. We introduced a Produce Handling Guide on our web site, which is simple and basic especially for the smaller retailers such as dollar stores, gas stations and others.

Recently, while speaking to a small group of salespeople for a grower-shipper, I was asked, Why do people join produce organizations? Doesnt it cause them to socialize with their competitors?

Wow. I thought that was a great question.

My answer was simply that this is not a game of spy vs. spy, but rather a group of industry members who share a mutual interest and good fellowship. Each organization has its own personal goals and visions. They are devoted to the needs of the produce industry to help improve their members knowledge and operations.

Mr. Vorhees said, Our vision is to be the premier produce resource in the Southeast. We are instituting a newly planned educational road show by surveying our membership to request their needs. These educational events will be designed not only for our grower-shipper members, but will also provide produce manager training for our regional supermarket chains as well.

The produce and floral industries would not be possible without all of the fine organizations that exist today, especially during a time of rapidly paced changes.

Dont miss out on all the new trends, education, industry events, charitable promotions and fellowship. If you arent yet a member, I highly recommend that you join one of these outstanding groups with others who experience limitless benefits from it.

Ron Pelger is the owner of RONPROCON, a consulting firm for the produce industry. He can be reached by phone at 775/853-7056, by e-mail at [email protected], or check his web site at www.power-produce.com.