Hinton's 24-year run at FSGA comes to an end
Hinton's 24-year run at FSGA comes to an end
The Florida Strawberry Growers Association issued a press release Nov. 29 to the trade advising that Charles F. (Chip) Hinton's employment as executive director of the association was to be discontinued effective Nov. 30.
Companies contacted by The Produce News in early December said that word had not yet reached them as to why the 24-year relationship had ended, but all agreed that it was sudden and unexpected. The association's press release stated that due to current and future challenges facing the strawberry community, the board of directors unanimously determined in late November that it was important to the association's future success to proceed under new leadership.
The association also announced that efforts are currently underway to locate a qualified replacement, and that Erin Best, member services director for the association, has been named acting executive director in the interim.
Mr. Hinton was the first and only person to hold the executive director's position. The organization was officially formed in 1982 and quickly became a strong voice for Florida strawberry growers. Through the efforts of its members and leaders, it evolved into an integral partner in research, promotion and member and community service. Growers met their set missions and have succeeded in forming a voluntary organization that represents over 7,000 acres of berries.
"On behalf of the board of directors and the entire membership of our association, we'd like to thank Chip Hinton for all of the good things he accomplished during his tenure as the association's executive director," association President Tommy Brock said in the press release. "We wish him all the best in future endeavors as we turn to the challenges of bringing in new leadership for the association and offering greater value for our current and future members."
The association's executive director is responsible for supervising a staff of three, maintaining membership levels, providing expertise in managing association finances, grant writing and serving as a spokesperson to the media. Tasks also include acting as a liaison to other grower organizations, including the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; research and development organizations, primarily the University of Florida's Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences; and governmental agencies such as the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The staff and board of directors also operate FSGA's two sister organizations. The Florida Strawberry Patent Service administers royalty licenses to those desiring to grow Florida strawberry varieties (Florida strawberries are grown in over 42 countries worldwide). The newest organization is the Florida Research & Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that provides funding for annual scholarships.
Prospective applicants for the executive director position will find more information on the required criteria and qualifications at www.straw- berry.org.
Companies contacted by The Produce News in early December said that word had not yet reached them as to why the 24-year relationship had ended, but all agreed that it was sudden and unexpected. The association's press release stated that due to current and future challenges facing the strawberry community, the board of directors unanimously determined in late November that it was important to the association's future success to proceed under new leadership.
The association also announced that efforts are currently underway to locate a qualified replacement, and that Erin Best, member services director for the association, has been named acting executive director in the interim.
Mr. Hinton was the first and only person to hold the executive director's position. The organization was officially formed in 1982 and quickly became a strong voice for Florida strawberry growers. Through the efforts of its members and leaders, it evolved into an integral partner in research, promotion and member and community service. Growers met their set missions and have succeeded in forming a voluntary organization that represents over 7,000 acres of berries.
"On behalf of the board of directors and the entire membership of our association, we'd like to thank Chip Hinton for all of the good things he accomplished during his tenure as the association's executive director," association President Tommy Brock said in the press release. "We wish him all the best in future endeavors as we turn to the challenges of bringing in new leadership for the association and offering greater value for our current and future members."
The association's executive director is responsible for supervising a staff of three, maintaining membership levels, providing expertise in managing association finances, grant writing and serving as a spokesperson to the media. Tasks also include acting as a liaison to other grower organizations, including the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; research and development organizations, primarily the University of Florida's Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences; and governmental agencies such as the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The staff and board of directors also operate FSGA's two sister organizations. The Florida Strawberry Patent Service administers royalty licenses to those desiring to grow Florida strawberry varieties (Florida strawberries are grown in over 42 countries worldwide). The newest organization is the Florida Research & Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that provides funding for annual scholarships.
Prospective applicants for the executive director position will find more information on the required criteria and qualifications at www.straw- berry.org.
