The Produce Mom Named a Packer 25
Oct 21, 2013, Updated Jun 08, 2021
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you were following along on my social media this weekend – you know I was at the Produce Marketing Association‘s annual #FreshSummit. It’s an amazing event that brings together over 20,000 produce industry professionals from at least 60 countries. It was the most massive expo I’ve ever seen & it was all about fruits & veggies. So, pretty much the ultimate playground for The Produce Mom. 🙂
A highlight of Fresh Summit, something that everyone who attends always looks forward to reading when they arrive at the PMA’s expo, is The Packer 25. About 2 months ago I was rocking my son (yes, I still rock my 3 yr old to sleep sometimes) – it was around 9:30pm on a Friday night. He was sound asleep but I was comfortable in his room & decided to just keep him in my arms while I scrolled thru facebook, texted a few friends, checked my email… you know the drill. That night I received an email titled “Story Query – The Packer.” I love The Packer, and I’m obviously working to expand the reach & the voice of this brand. Media opportunities are always exciting! But try to imagine the excitement when I opened that email to learn that I was selected to be part of the 2013 Packer 25! I read the email about 4 times. Then I googled it to make sure I was in fact thinking about the same distinction the email referenced… Yep. I was. Then I cried.
The Packer, the leading trade journal in fresh produce, recognizes exemplary industry leadership & global contributors each year in a highly-anticipated publication entitled “The Packer 25.” The Produce Mom is now part of this elite group & officially received the recognition over the weekend at the 2013 Fresh Summit. You can’t be nominated for The Packer 25. You can’t donate to a cause, campaign, or advertise to better your chances. Nope. 1 reason this distinction is considered an ultimate honor to many of the people who work in my industry is because you simply receive it. It’s a merit-based recognition. We all work hard, and each year our leading trade journal gives a huge pat on the back to the 25 individuals whom they believe have contributed at the highest & most innovative level to catapult our industry to greatness. Never in a million years would I have even imagined being named to this elite group. Seriously – it’s always upper level type executive people, food scientists, 4th generation farmers, etc. But like I tell everyone… I didn’t start The Produce Mom to have a cute online diary. I started it with a real business plan & purpose. 22 months ago I published my 1st blog. And you could say that’s when the mission officially started.
You must do the things you think you cannot do. –Eleanor Roosevelt
I simply cannot explain how thrilled I am to be a Packer 25! I’m so proud of where The Produce Mom has taken me in less than 2 years. I’ve learned so much about myself, my peers and the amazing fresh produce industry that I absolutely love, cherish & serve with pride.
And there is even more incredible news…
This highly-anticipated publication has never featured anyone from Indiana, nor anyone as young as me (32 yrs young & proud!). On top of all of that, the last class of Packers that included females was in 2011, when our First Lady Michelle Obama was recognized. Less than 18% of all the Packer 25 recipients are females… it feels great to be one of the trailblazing women for this industry!
I’m overwhelmed with happiness and love for all my supporters!!!!
Thank you all! I love my Produce Moms <3
Here’s a link to the online article. Also, below is a pic of the publication & the awesome peacock bracelet that I got to help me celebrate this ultimate career milestone. I think I’ll wear it on Indy Style this Thursday. Got lots of compliments on it in NOLA 😉
I couldn’t have done this without YOU. Thank you. So much.
xoxo Produce Mom
