Quebec Produce Marketing Association leaders highlight issues and successes
Quebec Produce Marketing Association leaders highlight issues and successes
With a new structure in place, the last year saw a change of the Quebec Produce Marketing Association’s mission, stepping away from a focus on building the business network — as its strength has become apparent — and moving toward issues management and particularly government and public relations. The association implemented changes to ensure that top-priority issues are tabled appropriately.
“I am proud to say the executive is dynamic and young, and Marie [Gosselin, outgoing QPMA president] has set some high standards, putting up a modernized structure and [an association] that is stronger and has the ear of the government and the marketplace,” said Sammy Cacciatore, 2014-15 incoming QPMA president.
“We want to help members with issues such as traceability, food safety and sustainability,” he said. “Small businesses are struggling with succession planning and so we want to keep talent in the industry and support and retain that talent.”
“Being directly involved, there’s a lot of work behind the scenes,” said Convention Chair Enrico Charest. “I’ve learned a lot in the last year. Its [QPMA] very focused on the good of the industry, it will bring in different dimensions and dynamics, it’s about implicating as many as possible.”
Pascal Guérin, 2013-14 mentorship program participant, felt the outcome of the program was beyond expectations, giving him new insight into the industry and lasting relationships.
“We want the different generations to talk and to connect and to have a sharing of information and perspectives,” said Sophie Perreault, QPMA chief executive officer.
Working with partners to promote the I love 5 to 10 servings a day continues to be at the top of the association’s agenda as the promotional campaign enters its 10th year.
“As an association we must keep focus on 5 to 10 a day. We are the superstars, there’s a credibility in our products and we have to choose carefully and keep the focus on produce,” said Metro’s Bernadette Hamel, QPMA Pillar of the Year.
Hamel considers herself privileged to be working in the industry: “Produce is my life, I started at bottom and worked my way up, and now I want to leave a legacy. It’s important to be able to help people go the next step — to try to make sure talent is put to good use. Lucky we have a lot of talent.”
“Our theme, People at the Heart [of the industry], working together is key,” said Gosselin. ‘There must be cohesiveness between all the sectors from farm to shelf.”
