United Fresh Donates More than 51,000 Pounds of Produce; Global Cold Chain Expo Launches
July 8, 2016
The United Fresh Produce Association had a busy time during its show, United Fresh 2016, which was held June 20-22 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
First, the association made another substantial donation to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and second, it launched the Global Cold Chain Expo in partnership with the Global Cold Chain Alliance.
Besides the launch event, United Fresh is collocated with several other shows, including the International Floriculture Expo and FMI Connect.
In an effort to give back to the Chicago community, United Fresh donated 51,042 lbs. of produce and 641 lbs. of assorted dry food to the Greater Chicago Food Depository at the conclusion of the show.
Volunteers collected donations from the convention floor to benefit those in need serviced by Greater Chicago Food Depository partner agencies such as food pantries, soup kitchens and other emergency feeding centers.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a member of the Feeding America network of food banks. This year’s total donation of 51,710 lbs. continues a United Fresh tradition of supporting the Feeding America network after the annual convention.
“For many hungry men, women and children in our community, access to nutritious produce is not a guarantee,” said Kate Maehr, executive director and CEO of the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
She added, “But, this generous donation from the United Fresh Produce Association, its exhibitors and partners will help the Food Depository provide much needed fruit and vegetables to our neighbors in need.”
The Food Depository, founded in 1979, makes a daily impact across Cook County with a network of 650 pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, mobile programs, children’s programs, older adult programs and innovative responses that address the root causes of hunger.
"United Fresh and exhibitors at the show are proud to support the Feeding America network of food banks," said John Toner, United Fresh vice president of convention and industry relations.
He added, “Fresh produce is an important part of a healthy diet, and the donation highlights how the industry is helping those in need each and every day.”
The inaugural Global Cold Chain Expo also was a success, with more than 1,200 cold chain professionals from 18 countries in attendance.
All of the collocated shows included nearly 13,000 key decision-makers representing the world’s perishable supply chain including produce, logistics, fresh-cut flowers, temperature-controlled warehousing, food processing and manufacturing.
Created in partnership between the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) and the United Fresh Produce Association, the Global Cold Chain Expo put a spotlight on the cold chain industry and its critical role in feeding the world’s ever growing population.
“For the first time ever, all sectors of the world’s cold chain came together under one roof,” said Eben James, chairman of GCCA Core Partner the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses and president & CEO of Trenton Cold Storage. “The variety of exhibitors and attendees at the show provided new opportunities for participants to connect and develop new relationships.”
The 27,000 square foot show floor was populated by 165 exhibiting companies representing the temperature-controlled supply chain including specialists in warehousing, transportation, construction and logistics.
“The first Global Cold Chain Expo was a huge success thanks to the relationship between GCCA, United Fresh and their respective members,” said Tony Freytag, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing at Crunch Pak and Chairman of the United Fresh Board of Directors.
He added, “It was exciting to see the cold chain and fresh produce communities unite to create a unique perishable supply chain experience.”
The second annual Global Cold Chain Expo will return June 13-15, along with United Fresh 2017, to McCormick Place.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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