The four recipients of the 2011 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarships are: Barbara Daly, Testa Produce, Inc., Chicago, Ill.; Micah Desmond, Northeast Packaging Company, Presque Isle, Maine; Tami Martin, Black Gold, Grand Forks, N.D.; and John J. Pandol, Pandol Bros. Inc., Delano, Calif.
The scholarship program, presented by the United Fresh Foundation Center for Leadership Excellence, provides the opportunity for employees of family-owned businesses to attend the annual United Fresh Washington Public Policy Conference. The program is now in its eleventh year, and each scholarship recipient will receive complimentary airfare, hotel and full registration to attend the conference.
Winners were selected by a review committee from applications solicited earlier this year based on a number of criteria such as interest in advocacy work, commitment to the industry, and overall quality of the application.
"We would like to extend our congratulations to the four scholarship recipients and thank everyone who applied for this year’s program," said United Fresh Foundation Chairman Steve Grinstead of Pro*Act. "Barbara, Micah, Tami, and John will join hundreds of other produce leaders from all sectors of the industry to address the critical issues that are directly affecting our businesses."
The Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Program is made possible through a generous grant from Frieda’s, Inc. The program was founded in 2001 by Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins to expand opportunities for representatives from family businesses to attend the Washington Public Policy Conference and help make a positive difference for the produce industry. The Foundation accepts new applications for the program each summer.
"This program provides a special opportunity for employees of family business to become personally involved in the political process," said Victoria Backer, United Fresh senior vice president of member services, foundation. "We are extremely appreciative to the Caplan family for their leadership and generosity in providing this opportunity for family businesses to ensure their voices are heard loud and clear in Washington."
