Now in its third year, the Produce Marketing Association Foundation for Industry Talent’s High Performance Management Conference offers produce and floral industry members a unique chance to reinforce training for their managers and other mid-level positions. HPMC, set for Sept. 14-17 in Chicago, will encourage participants to gain visibility, build relationships with peers across the supply chain and enhance business and interpersonal skills as central to helping them thrive.

A recent Harvard Business Review survey found 85 percent of respondents felt their companies’ leadership pipeline would suffer unless their middle management development programs were strengthened. Past participants say the conference provides a place to advance their potential as the next generation of seasoned senior leaders.

“This conference is about refinement,” F. Scott Fein, Northeast region supply group manager with Robinson Fresh and past HPMC participant, said in a press release. “If [mid-level managers] want to learn, be engaged and meet people who potentially are the next level of leadership in this industry in a comfortable setting, then this is the place for you."

“It’s really important that [mid-level managers] don’t get undervalued and lost in the shuffle when you’re only focusing on senior management or your new stars that you’re really excited about,” Marc Solomon, senior vice president of procurement at Capespan North America and PMA Foundation board member, said in the release. “Meanwhile, it’s middle managers who are really keeping the house in order.”

Often referred to as the “barbell” approach to leadership development, the tendency is for companies to emphasize training for young talent and senior leaders. HPMC directs industry’s attention to the pivotal role mid-level managers play, when given the right skills, in translating organizational strategy into day-to-day actions that drive a company’s high performance and profitability.

A unique combination of educational sessions, computer simulations, scenario-based learning and small group exercises focus on various topics:

Macro trends: Bryan Silbermann, PMA's chief executive officer, will provide an outside-in perspective on the macro picture of the global economy, today’s business world and key trends linking back to produce and floral.

Food safety: PMA Chief Science and Technology Officer Bob Whitaker will explore how to be prepared and compliant with Food Safety Modernization Act regulations.

Crisis management: Bob McNaney, PadillaCRT vice president of crisis and critical issues, will teach participants how to react to a crisis in order to mitigate the threat to their organization.

Business acumen: Robert Brodo, Advantexe Learning Solutions executive vice president and co-founder will focus on analyzing financial statements and identifying links between strategy and finance.

Horizontal and vertical management: Leadership consultant Andy Neillie will cover the key strategies to communicate, persuade and establish accountability.

“The speakers are thought provoking,” said Fein. “As an attendee you can’t help but be introspective and ask yourself how you would handle certain situations.”

“There are so few opportunities and places to send our employees to get training in this industry,” said Jim Leimkuhler, president and owner of Progressive Produce Corp. and PMA Foundation immediate past chair. “And even when we find one, we often say we can’t afford to have that person gone for such a long time.  But that’s a poor excuse. Just do it.  The person will feel even more engaged and loyal to you.  And, if they truly are a ‘high performance manager,’ you’ll notice the difference in no time.”

PMA Foundation’s High Performance Management Conference supports the PMA Foundation’s goal to attract, develop and retain talent in the fresh produce and floral industry.  

For more information on program details, sponsorship opportunities or to register, visit www.pmafoundation.com/high-performance-management-conference. Early-bird registration discount ends August 17; PMA members receive additional discount.