NEWARK, DE -- The Produce Marketing Association's Education Foundation announced Aug. 28 that it has officially changed its name to the PMA Foundation for Industry Talent. The name change culminates a three-month long strategic planning process, and more closely reflects the newly refined purpose and goals of the foundation.

"We feel that 'Foundation for Industry Talent' conveys our mission more effectively than our former name," Cindy Seel, executive director for the foundation, said in a statement. "We are indeed dedicated to education of the produce industry's labor talent, but more importantly we are dedicated to a broader spectrum of attracting, developing and retaining superior talent to sustain a vibrant, global produce supply chain."

In recent months, the foundation has been very focused on fulfilling its $5 million goal of its capital campaign, Our Industry ... Our People. The monies contributed will support the foundation's 2008-12 programs, and finance development of new initiatives such as leadership training and education tools to appeal to all levels of industry leaders, visiting professor programs, and information and tools that encourage employee loyalty and retention.

The foundation has already launched several programs, including a job bank to advertise entry-level and intermediate-level positions in the produce industry, a career awareness campaign to attract college students to the produce industry, and student immersion programs such as mentoring and Career Pathways' programs that provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the industry by funding their attendance at industry events.

The foundation also unveiled a new logo to accompany the new name. The logo's three upwardly mobile figures mirror the organization's focuses on attracting, developing and retaining produce industry talent.