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Volunteer Opportunities

Below is a list of PMA committees, including prerequisites for serving, estimated committee size, and time/travel requirements:

Audit Committee

The Board of Directors' Audit Committee assists the board in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities by engaging and working with a qualified, independent accounting firm to audit PMA's financial statements. Committee members also review and make recommendations to PMA's systems of internal controls as established by management and the Board of Directors, and in response to auditor input.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee: Candidates for the Audit Committee:

  • Must have an understanding of generally-accepted accounting principles, understand internal controls and procedures for financial reporting, and have the financial competency to review financial statements, evaluate accounting company bids and make sound financial decisions
  • Are not required to be members of the Board of Directors

Committee size: 3-5 members

Time/travel requirements: Conference calls as needed

Budget and Finance Committee

The Board of Directors' Budget and Finance Committee ensures PMA remains in good fiscal health, and that the annual budget reflects the board's policies and strategic priorities. Committee members ensure compliance with reserve and investment policies. They also ensure accurate financial records are maintained.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee: Candidates for the Budget and Finance Committee:

  • Must have the financial competency to understand financial statements, evaluate accounting company bids, and make sound financial decisions
  • Good understanding of financial management practices and standards is also essential
  • Are not required to be members of the Board of Directors

Committee size: 6-8 members

Time/travel requirements: Monthly conference calls

Chile Country Council

The PMA Chile Country Council guides the association's activities in Chile. Council members work to retain existing members and recruit new members, and to deliver local and global member value. Committee members also assist in establishing PMA's long- and short-term priorities in the country, as directed by the PMA Board of Directors.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee: Candidates for the Chile Country Council:

  • Should not only reside and work in Chile, but also be well-connected and influential within the produce and floral industries
  • Must actively participate and provide feedback throughout the year, including in person at meetings, or by e-mail or phone

Committee size: 10-20 members

Time/travel requirements: Two in-person, one-day meetings; conference calls as needed

Exhibitor Advisory Committee

The Exhibitor Advisory Committee represents the perspective of the produce/floral indsutry exhibitors in the creation of benefits and opportunities that deliver compelling value, facilitate ease of participation and ensure consistency and fairness in all policies and procedures. Committee members advise ways in which expositions could be improved, from both the exhibitors' and attendees' viewpoints. They also champion and promote Fresh Summit to potential exhibitors and attendees. The committee includes grower/shipper, floral, non-produce, technology/transportation, machinery/packaging, international, and commodity board and pavilion representatives.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee: Candidates for the Exhibitor Advisory Committee:

  • Must be current exhibitors at Fresh Summit and/or the Foodservice Conference
  • Must be willing to represent the entire produce and floral industry, and to serve on a task force if needed

Committee size: 10-20 members

Time/travel requirements: likely to include one in-person meeting, and 3-5 conference calls

Foodservice Conference Committee

Members of the Foodservice Conference Committee provide long-term, strategic guidance and annual promotional support to the PMA Foodservice Conference and Exposition and attached Foundation activities. Committee members review event evaluation summaries to help identify opportunities for improvement. They also offer input into educational programming and ways to reach sponsorship and registration targets.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee: Candidates for the Foodservice Conference Committee:

  • Must have attended this event at least once, and have knowledge of its program and target audiences

Committee size: 15-25 members

Time/travel requirements: Preparation for and participation in three to four conference calls

Fresh Summit Committee

The Fresh Summit Committee provides long-term, strategic guidance and annual promotional support to the Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition. Committee members review and recommend updates as needed to the Fresh Summit schedule of events, review and respond to event evaluations and offer input into educational programming. The group also champions, actively promotes and attends Fresh Summit including providing input on ways to reach registration, exposition and sponsorship goals.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee: Candidates for the Fresh Summit Committee:

  • Must have attended this event at least once, and have knowledge of the Fresh Summit program and target audiences

Committee size: 15-25 members

Time/travel requirements: one in-person, one-day meeting; 9-11 conference calls

Global Development Committee

The Global Development Committee provides input to PMA's global strategy as approved by the PMA Board of Directors, actively participants in the creation of new products/services relevant to the global produce industry and serves as a champion to help with global membership growth.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee: Candidates for the Global Development Committee:

  • Preference will be given to volunteers that reside/work outside of the United States or whose company does a substantial portion of their business outside the United States
  • Must have broad knowledge and experience, and currently be involved in global produce trade
  • Willingness to actively participate in committee activities and be a PMA Champion
  • Be able to participate in discussions conducted in English

Committee size: 10-20 members

Time/travel requirements: Preparation for and participation in two in-person meetings each year (one of which is at the PMA Fresh Summit); 2-3 conference calls

Government Affairs Committee

The Government Affairs Committee identifies areas of challenge or opportunity where members' businesses and the U.S. federal government intersect, sets priorities on handling them, and recommends related policy direction to the PMA Board of Directors that will provide solutions that advance members' interests. Committee members provide content area expertise and counsel on key issue areas and on government affairs activities. As appropriate, committee members will interact with U.S. legislative or regulatory organizations to provide resources, counsel and expertise to advance PMA's positions.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee: Candidates for the Government Affairs Committee:

  • Must be based in the United States and have interest or expertise in public policy
  • Members from across the country are encouraged to volunteer, to ensure a nationwide perspective
  • Must have an understanding of how government activities affect key issue areas such as production, consumption and nutrition, food safety/security/traceability, labor and immigration, sustainability, product labeling and transportation
  • Must also be able and willing to communicate with U.S. legislative and regulatory officials

Committee size: 10-20 members

Time/travel requirements: at least one in-person meeting, in Washington, D.C.; several conference calls throughout the year

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee supports membership growth by actively recruiting and mentoring new members. Members of the committee identify and recruit potential new members leads, contact lapsed members for renewal, and connect with assigned new members to provide an industry perspective of membership value. Occasionally the membership committee provides input and feedback regarding membership needs, programs and policies.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee: Candidates for the Membership Committee:

  • Ability to actively contribute to the recruitment of new members to meet committee recruitment goals
  • Must be willing and able to contact 1 or 2 new members per month
  • Strong industry connections across the supply chain are also desired
  • Sales, marketing, business development and/or communications experience preferred

Committee size: 20-30 members

Time/travel requirements: possibility of one in-person meeting; monthly conference calls (normally 30 minutes in duration)

Mexico Country Council

The PMA Mexico Country Council guides the association's activities in Mexico. Members work to retain existing members and recruit new members, and help deliver local and global member value. The committee also assists in establishing PMA's long- and short-term priorities in this country under the direction of the PMA Board of Directors.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee: Candidates for the Mexico Country Council:

  • Should not only reside and work in Mexico, but also be well-connected and influential within the Mexican produce and floral industries
  • Must actively participate and provide feedback throughout the year, including in person at meetings, or by e-mail or phone

Committee size: 10-20 members

Time/travel requirements: two in-person, one-day meetings; conference calls as needed

New Media Comittee

The New Media Commmittee, a committee of social media strategists, enthusiasts, bloggers and other influencers, will help PMA identify new and emerging media and provide direction on how best to use these technologies to influence various audiences. Raise your profile as a social media influencer and expert within the global PMA member community while exchanging ideas and information on new technologies, measurement and best practices.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee:  Candidates for the New Media Committee:

  • Ability to provide feedback on emerging social media trends and platforms for PMA to connect with the industry, in order to capture valuable insight into member/industry needs
  • Willingness to work to extend the reach/awareness of PMA through social channels
  • General understanding of the different roles of social media including as tools for customer service, brand/product awareness, fundraising, and recruiting talent
  • Actively participate in discussions on the issues around social media, including privacy and security, measurement, and how social media ties into mobile and location-based strategies

Committee size:  6-8 members

Time/travel requirements:  Monthly conference calls

PLU Assignment Committee

The Price Look-Up (PLU) Assignment Committee collaborates with the PLU-code staff liaison to conduct a thorough review of applications for new PLU code assignments and forwards recommendations on each application to the International Federation for Produce Standards for final review and vote. Works with the International Federationa for Produce Standards and the Supply Chain Efficiencies Committee to complete assigned projects.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee: Candidates for the PLU Assignment Committee:

  • Must possess broad knowledge of the application and use of PLU codes and supply chain efficiencies in the produce industry
  • Have a good understanding of data standards and coding practices
  • Be willing to actively participate in committee discussions

Committee size: 10-15 members

Time/travel requirements: At least 6 conference calls per year

PMA Board of Directors

The PMA Board of Directors directs and manages PMA's affairs, funds and property.

The board, which includes global representatives, is responsible for fiduciary oversight as well as development and recruitment. Other responsibilities include providing strategic direction to fulfill PMA's mission, and identifying and prioritizing internal and external strategic issues. The board also oversees selection and annual evaluation of PMA's President & CEO.

Prerequisite(s) for this board: Candidates for the PMA Board of Directors:

  • Must have made significant contributions to PMA’s activities and be dedicated to the industry’s continuous improvement
  • Must be able to provide leadership on a broad range of issues impacting the global supply chain
  • Must be prepared to act in the best interests of the global produce and floral industry

Board size: 25-30 members

Time/travel requirements: up to three in-person, 2-3 day-long meetings, to be held at various locations around the United States; conference calls as needed

PMA Foundation for Industry Talent Board of Directors

Volunteer leaders of the PMA Foundation for Industry Talent Board of Directors strategically establish and guide the foundation's mission. Members also ensure its long-term financial health.

Prerequisite(s) for this board: Candidates for the PMA Foundation Board of Directors:

  • Commit to the mission and goals of the Foundation - attracting, developing and retaining talent for the produce industry
  • Must be able and willing to support Foundation fundraising activities through direct contributions, solicitation of industry peers and colleagues, or both
  • Past service on a PMA or Foundation committee or the PMA Board of Directors is desirable

Board size: 12-15 members

Time/travel requirements: 2-3 in-person, one-day meetings; multiple conference calls

PMA Foundation for Industry Talent Fundraising Committee

The PMA Foundation for Industry Talent Fundraising Committee provides oversight, guidance and participation in raising funds to support the Foundation. Work on this committee includes developing and executing fundraising events such as golf tournaments and auctions, as well as the foundation's annual fundraising campaign.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee: Candidates for the Foundation Fundraising Committee:

  • Willingness to make annual contributions to PMA Foundation either individually or coporate
  • Must also be able and willing to solicit industry colleagues to gain their support of the foundation

Committee size: 10-20 members

Time/travel requirements: likely to include one in-person meeting; 4-6 conference calls

PMA Foundation for Industry Talent Program Committee

The PMA Foundation for Industry Talent Program Committee provides oversight, guidance and participation in developing and implementing programs associated with attracting, developing and retaining talent for the produce industry.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee: Candidates for the Foundation Program Committee:

  • Must be willing and able to help recruit new talent into the industry
  • Must be willing and able to aid in the development of new programs
  • Must have education or experience (or access to individuals with education or experience) with human resource fields such as recruiting, training, and retention strategies
  • Must be committeed to the missions and goals fo the Foundation

Committee size: 10-20 members

Time/travel requirements: likely to include two in-person meetings; 3-4 conference calls

Produce Safety, Science and Technology Committee

Members of the Produce Safety, Science and Technology Committee review and interpret new produce safety, science and technology developments, and prepare recommendations for consideration by the Board of Directors. Committee members also provide strategic direction to help staff respond to key food safety and technology, regulatory or legislative requests for industry input.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee: Candidates for the Produce Safety, Science and Technology Committee:

  • Should have either scientific or business expertise in food science, safety, or agricultural or production technology
  • Should hail from across the supply chain, including grower, processor, foodservice and retail segments

Committee size: 20-25 members

Time/travel requirements: Two in-person, one-day meetings; up to four conference calls as needed

South Africa Country Council

The PMA South Africa Country Council guides the association's activities in South Africa. Council members work to retain existing members and recruit new members, and to deliver local and global member value while increasing the sense of community. Committee members also assist in establishing PMA's long- and short-term priorities in the country, as directed by PMA’s Board of Directors.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee: Candidates for the South Africa Country Council:

  • Be employed by a PMA member company that is active in South Africa, and be well-connected and influential within its produce and floral industries
  • Must actively participate and provide feedback throughout the year, including in person at meetings, or by e-mail or phone

Committee size: 10-20 members

Time/travel requirements: Two in-person, one-day meetings; conference calls as needed

Supply Chain Efficiencies Committee

Members of the Supply Chain Efficiencies Committee guide development and application of practices that create greater supply chain efficiencies. Members also ensure appropriate collaboration with data standards providers and other food trade associations.

Prerequisite(s) for this committee: Candidates for the Supply Chain Efficiencies Committee:

  • Must have a broad understanding of industry data standards, collection and processing, with particular expertise in their industry segment
  • Must have broad knowledge and understanding of the application of case-, pallet- and item-level identification and tracking tools are required
  • General understanding of produce or floral supply chain transportation, logistics and distribution is also required

Committee size: 15-25 members

Time/travel requirements: Two in-person, one-day meetings; conference calls as needed

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