US: Houston will spotlight food safety and crisis communications

Produce industry members in the Houston area will have the chance to connect with regional buyers and suppliers and learn more about food safety and crisis communications management during Produce Marketing Association's (PMA) Fresh Connections: Houston event.With Houston Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association and Texas Produce Association as marketing partners, PMA Fresh Connections: Houston is being held Feb. 9 at the Sysco Corporate Offices in Houston, Texas, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event is also made possible by the co-presenting sponsor Murphy Tomatoes/M&M Tomato Company and food and beverage sponsor Sysco/Fresh Point.
Fresh Connections: Houston will offer an informative and interactive one-day program with PMA's food safety and crisis communication experts. Attendees will hear from PMA's Chief Science & Technology Officer Dr. Bob Whitaker on common food safety missteps and how attendees can increase their company's food safety efforts. They'll also receive the latest update on recent food safety legislation. Lorna Christie, PMA executive vice president & COO, will explain how crisis management can protect a company's reputation and bottom line during a food safety outbreak. Christie will also demonstrate how companies can make their food safety program a part of "telling your story."
The event format will include ample opportunity for attendees to ask questions and receive answers about issues they are having in their own food safety and crisis communication initiatives. Attendees will also benefit from a networking breakfast and lunch, which afford time to forge profitable connections and share insight with fellow supply-chain members from Houston and the surrounding region.
"PMA's Fresh Connections events are a great way to reach out to members in our own backyard," said Bill Kellner, vice president & COO Murphy Tomatoes/M&M Tomato Company. "These events provide timely business solutions and an opportunity for PMA staff to hear from members what's on our minds and how the association can address our specific needs."
Fresh Connections: Houston seating is limited, and open to both PMA members and potential members. The advance registration deadline is Feb. 4. The advance registration fee for members is $150 and for potential members is $225; on-site registration will be available for members at $200 and for potential members at $300. Gold Circle contributors receive an additional 33 percent off the member rate.