Campbell takes reins at FSGA
Campbell takes reins at FSGA
After fielding resumes from across the country, the Florida Strawberry Growers Association board unanimously voted to appoint Ted Campbell as its new executive director.
Mr. Campbell, who began working Aug. 1 at the association's headquarters in Dover, FL, said that it was too early in his tenure to state exactly which strategies would be put in place under his directorship.
"I am learning everything I can about the association, its members and the industry," said Mr. Campbell. "My background is primarily in produce sales, procurement and marketing for both the wholesale and retail sides of the industry. I feel I can bring a strong marketing perspective to the association, and combined with its production perspective, we can move the association to even higher levels in the future."
Mr. Campbell steps into the position previously held by Shawn Crocker, who was placed on paid leave Feb. 18 by the association's board, and whose resignation was accepted April 18 after just over one year as its executive director.
Allen Williford, president of the association, announced Mr. Campbell's appointment. Of the initial 25 applicants, 20 were eliminated and the remaining five were interviewed.
Mr. Williford said, "Campbell stood out among all of them. We feel his qualifications meet the criteria to help meet the challenges ahead." Mr. Campbell is the former director of produce for Supervalu Inc. in Minneapolis. He also served as vice president of sales and marketing for Kerry's Nursery in Homestead, FL. He currently resides in Naples, FL, but plans to relocate to Plant City, FL, a short distance from Dover, FL, in the near future.
"We are in a very sophisticated industry today," said Mr. Campbell. "We must be sensitive to the needs of retailers and aware of the challenges the production end faces. Florida produces outstanding berries that are in high demand, so we have a perfect product to promote."
Florida is the major U.S. winter strawberry producer. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Florida strawberry growers -- the majority of whom are located within 30 miles of Plant City -- planted a record 8,320 acres of strawberries in the 2006-07 season. The increase was made following a record sales year of $273 million in 2006-07, which was a 14 percent increase from $239 million in sales in the 2005-06 season.
Florida is also a pacesetter for strawberry technology. About 45 countries purchase its strawberry plants and learn from its technology. Spain is the major EU producer of Florida's Strawberry Festival variety.
Growers in the state are preparing now for the upcoming season.
"Beds are set in most fields in September," said Mr. Campbell, who is also a former chairman of the board of the Produce Marketing Association. "Growers are currently getting ready for plantings. Harvesting will commence in November and run through March. The beauty of strawberry production in Florida is that it's a winter crop, so it has a solid and strong niche."
Mr. Campbell, who began working Aug. 1 at the association's headquarters in Dover, FL, said that it was too early in his tenure to state exactly which strategies would be put in place under his directorship.
"I am learning everything I can about the association, its members and the industry," said Mr. Campbell. "My background is primarily in produce sales, procurement and marketing for both the wholesale and retail sides of the industry. I feel I can bring a strong marketing perspective to the association, and combined with its production perspective, we can move the association to even higher levels in the future."
Mr. Campbell steps into the position previously held by Shawn Crocker, who was placed on paid leave Feb. 18 by the association's board, and whose resignation was accepted April 18 after just over one year as its executive director.
Allen Williford, president of the association, announced Mr. Campbell's appointment. Of the initial 25 applicants, 20 were eliminated and the remaining five were interviewed.
Mr. Williford said, "Campbell stood out among all of them. We feel his qualifications meet the criteria to help meet the challenges ahead." Mr. Campbell is the former director of produce for Supervalu Inc. in Minneapolis. He also served as vice president of sales and marketing for Kerry's Nursery in Homestead, FL. He currently resides in Naples, FL, but plans to relocate to Plant City, FL, a short distance from Dover, FL, in the near future.
"We are in a very sophisticated industry today," said Mr. Campbell. "We must be sensitive to the needs of retailers and aware of the challenges the production end faces. Florida produces outstanding berries that are in high demand, so we have a perfect product to promote."
Florida is the major U.S. winter strawberry producer. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Florida strawberry growers -- the majority of whom are located within 30 miles of Plant City -- planted a record 8,320 acres of strawberries in the 2006-07 season. The increase was made following a record sales year of $273 million in 2006-07, which was a 14 percent increase from $239 million in sales in the 2005-06 season.
Florida is also a pacesetter for strawberry technology. About 45 countries purchase its strawberry plants and learn from its technology. Spain is the major EU producer of Florida's Strawberry Festival variety.
Growers in the state are preparing now for the upcoming season.
"Beds are set in most fields in September," said Mr. Campbell, who is also a former chairman of the board of the Produce Marketing Association. "Growers are currently getting ready for plantings. Harvesting will commence in November and run through March. The beauty of strawberry production in Florida is that it's a winter crop, so it has a solid and strong niche."
