In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” host Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), is joined by Amanda Griffin, USHBC/NABC vice president of engagement and education, to discuss her new role with USHBC and her background in the produce industry.

“A lot of [industry engagement] has to do with having your ears on the ground on what the folks you serve need most from you as an organization.” - Amanda Griffin

“I always claimed when I was at United Fresh that my role wasn’t necessarily to be the expert on a certain topic; it’s more [about] how do you find those resources and deliver them back out to your membership and to your constituency.”  - Amanda Griffin

Topics covered include:

• Griffin’s industry background and her previous role with the United Fresh Produce Association.
• The most important aspects of industry engagement. 
• Importance of feedback and parlaying feedback into improved programs. 
• Griffin’s role in developing the new USHBC Leadership Program. 

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout North and South America. In this episode, you’ll hear from Andres Armstrong in Chile, Luis Vegas in Peru, and Mario Ramírez in Mexico. This was recorded on January 19, 2022.

Marketing Boost

Mark your calendars for January 28, because it’s National Blueberry Pancake Day! In this week’s Marketing Boost, USHBC/NABC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Sparks discusses the importance of this day and USHBC’s National Blueberry Pancake Day activities.