The most brilliant innovations occur during times of hardship.

On March 19-21, 2009 at Nashville, Tennessee's Grand Opryland Resort, a diverse mix of mid- to senior-level produce supply chain executives gathered to get updates on critical industry trends, discuss challenges and issues, and brainstormed ways to turn obstacles into opportunities.

Thank you to all of the 2009 PSC participating companies who attended this invaluable event. In addition to a line-up of exceptional speakers, PSC hosted discussion group leaders from Acme Markets, Denny's, Foodbuy, FreshPoint, Meijer, Raley's, Save Mart Supermarkets, Schnucks Markets, Walmart Stores and Wegmans.

In several weeks, you will be able to view notes from all of the Insight Forums that took place at PSC. In the meantime, PMA would like to extend a big "thank you" to the exceptional discussion leader pairs who added their insight and expertise to these interactive sessions:

• Jay Schneider, Acme Markets AND Maurice Totty, Food Buy
• Dave Corsi, Wegmans AND Troy Edwards, FreshPoint
• Mike O’Brien, Schnucks Markets AND Brian Coates, Meijer
• Mike Agostini, Walmart Stores AND Greg Corrigan, Raley’s
• Greg Calistro, Save Mart Supermarkets AND Gene Harris, Denny’s

You asked, PMA answered.

During the upcoming year and beyond, PMA will be shifting our focus to better meet your needs. We will go the extra mile—literally—to expand our Fresh Connections offerings, bringing expert information, innovative ideas, and networking opportunities to your own backyard. Fresh Connections offer a number of advantages for attendees…most notably that PMA comes to you. This helps us better understand our members' needs and interests. And there's little travel involved for you. The topic of each Fresh Connections event is tailored to the particular needs of that region or locale.

For a schedule of Fresh Connections events planned so far this year, visit http://www.pma.com/events/freshconnections/.