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NEPC hosts Leadership Class Educational Session and TopGolf networking event

The New England Produce Council hosted a successful TopGolf networking event Wednesday, May 13, sponsored by Grimmway Farms, Suja, Taylor Farms/Earthbound, Bard Valley and Marzetti.

The day began with the NEPC Leadership Class educational session featuring speaker Michael Hostetler of the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University. Hostetler presented “Challenges for Leadership in a Dynamic Industry,” examining the external forces driving constant change within the produce industry, including biotechnology, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology.

The session focused on helping attendees develop a deeper understanding of today’s evolving business environment while emphasizing the responsibility of leadership to ensure that companies can adapt, innovate and keep pace with industry change.

“A special thank you to Michael Hostetler for a very informative presentation,” said NEPC Executive Director Laura Sullivan. “The leadership class was happy to leave with some valuable takeaways.”

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Chris Downs of Taylor Farms, Bob McGowan and Jon Beaulieu of Affinity Sales,
 Gabbie Brocker of Taylor Farms and Kevin Royce of Affinity Sales.

The evening continued with informative presentations from Grimmway Farms, Suja and Taylor Farms/Earthbound, followed by dinner and golf at TopGolf.

“Grimmway Produce Group appreciates the opportunity to partner with the New England Produce Council and support an organization that continues to foster strong relationships across the produce industry,” said James Ferrier, business development manager for Grimmway Produce Group. “Events like these create meaningful opportunities to connect, collaborate and help move the industry forward together.”

Juliet Moran of Suja presented the company’s expanding portfolio of products and highlighted the tremendous growth Suja has experienced in recent years.

"It was a privilege sponsoring the Top Golf Event for the New England Produce Council," said Moran. "It’s a nice night of networking in a fun, relaxing environment, and I was happy to share Suja Life assortment updates and details about our Summer Of Love marketing campaign featuring our Suja juices. A big thank you to the NEPC for a great night."

Chris Downs of Taylor Farms shared a video showcasing the Taylor Farms operation and announced the company’s expansion of an existing warehouse into a 220,000-square-foot manufacturing plant, marking Taylor Farms’ single largest North American facility expansion. Downs highlighted that the new facility will allow for broader distribution of several key products.

“We value the opportunity to sponsor the NEPC annual Top Golf event,” said Downs. “The opportunity to present and share exciting changes and new opportunities from Taylor Farms with the produce community in our Northeast market is of great value. It’s always a great event and nice to network.”

Sponsors also displayed products and marketing materials for attendees to view and distributed coupons during the event.

“The event drew great attendance and a special thank you to all of our sponsors for a great time,” concluded Sullivan.

James Ferrier and Jen Hurter of Grimmway.
James Ferrier and Jen Hurter of Grimmway.
Jodie Reardon of Albertsons and NEPC president with Juliet Moran of Suja.
Jodie Reardon of Albertsons and NEPC president with Juliet Moran of Suja.
Top row: Ryan Vigneault of Shaw’s, Jacquelyn Keenan of JOH, Jodie Reardon of Albertson’s, Michael J. Hostetler of Cornell University, Erica Braciska of Albertson’s, Gabby Palmisano of Barnwood Valley Farms, Trevor Bumpus of JOH; Back Row: Anthony Savino of Hannaford, Sarah Forand of Oxen Hill Farm, Kaitlyn Anderson of Hapco and Spencer Simmons of Fresh Express.
Top row: Ryan Vigneault of Shaw’s, Jacquelyn Keenan of JOH, Jodie Reardon of Albertson’s, Michael J. Hostetler of Cornell University, Erica Braciska of Albertson’s, Gabby Palmisano of Barnwood Valley Farms, Trevor Bumpus of JOH; Back Row: Anthony Savino of Hannaford, Sarah Forand of Oxen Hill Farm, Kaitlyn Anderson of Hapco and Spencer Simmons of Fresh Express.
Benjamin Frechette of Taste of the North, Jon Storm of C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc., Dave Brunelle of C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc., Matt Dee of Donelan’s Supermarkets, Gary Girard of C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc., Gabby Palmisano of Barnwood Farms, Katelyn Anderson of Hapco, Sarah Forand of Oxen Hill Farm and Trevor Bumpus of JOH.
Benjamin Frechette of Taste of the North, Jon Storm of C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc., Dave Brunelle of C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc., Matt Dee of Donelan’s Supermarkets, Gary Girard of C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc., Gabby Palmisano of Barnwood Farms, Katelyn Anderson of Hapco, Sarah Forand of Oxen Hill Farm and Trevor Bumpus of JOH.
Colin Dow, Mike Dow, Ralph Krulder, Rob Kerr, Sophia Tobias, Ryan Dow and Rob Haarburger, all of Fresh Express.
Colin Dow, Mike Dow, Ralph Krulder, Rob Kerr, Sophia Tobias, Ryan Dow and Rob Haarburger, all of Fresh Express.
Dave Patnaude of Coast to Coast Produce, Bob McGowan of Affinity Sales and David Gangi of Fresh Valley Foods.
Dave Patnaude of Coast to Coast Produce, Bob McGowan of Affinity Sales and David Gangi of Fresh Valley Foods.
Jacquelyn Keenan of JOH, Craig Minichiello of Market Basket and NEPC's second vice president, and Corinne Barry of Little Leaf Farms and NEPC director.
Jacquelyn Keenan of JOH, Craig Minichiello of Market Basket and NEPC's second vice president, and Corinne Barry of Little Leaf Farms and NEPC director.
Pat Palermo, Cody Maggio, Mark Miraglia, Jeff Glennon, Chuck Reeves, Liz Maggio and Marissa Dolan Bleiler, all of Gold Bell Inc. with Craig Minichiello of Market Basket.
Pat Palermo, Cody Maggio, Mark Miraglia, Jeff Glennon, Chuck Reeves, Liz Maggio and Marissa Dolan Bleiler, all of Gold Bell Inc. with Craig Minichiello of Market Basket.
Travis Boyle of Roche Bros., with Mark Pins, Joshua Badem and Kevin Keough of State Garden Inc./Olivia's Organics and Bill Gordon of Roche Bros.
Travis Boyle of Roche Bros., with Mark Pins, Joshua Badem and Kevin Keough of State Garden Inc./Olivia's Organics and Bill Gordon of Roche Bros.
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