TLC Todd-versations

"I don't look at it as philanthropy; I see it as an investment in the community." Paul Newman

This quote is an apt description of the heart of Fresh Produce and Floral Council. Leaning into their mission of connecting members to information, education, and professional networking, they are determined to help their collective membership as well as the industry we love. FPFC is a purpose-driven organization that believes in social responsibility, volunteerism, and giving a hand up.

Under different circumstances, many of the attendees are competitors. But at the FPFC Expo, "Salute To Fresh", on April 6, at the Anaheim Convention Center, shared circumstances transcend the competitive nature, and relationships thrive.

Recalibrate, resonate, and recognize there is room to grow.

These three key starting points were a few of many shared with Todd-versations when we sat down with Mark Samuel founder and CEO of IWON Organics. Like his company, Mark is an exciting individual who leans into what works and "gets his clock ticking". Listen as he shares his philosophy on what it takes to win and what we are all busy trying to win. He believes in the innate sense of human kindness and that we as the majority need to use it to "fog out" the detractors. "We have so much work to do about food choices and how it affects us physically and mentally."

He's found his sweet spot in life and the mission he was born to lead, helping us find the way in the ethos to win in life. It's all about the balance.

If you eat fish, and even if you don’t, listen in. This conversation will BLOW you away!

Growing up in a lifestyle that promoted conservation and respect for the land, Dr. Steven Summerfelt chose to follow his passion and enter the field of science. Aquaculture and aquaponics. The nexus of his interests came to fruition at Superior Fresh as they are working to change the food system in the United States and the world by changing how food is grown. Their Atlantic salmon raised without the use of antibiotics or pesticides, yes that's a real thing for ocean-farmed fish, are fed an organic diet and act as the cover crop for their certified organic leafy greens. Given the American Heart Association's Heart-Check Certification, Superior and Dr. Steve feel their hard work has been validated. There is much to love about this Wisconsin-based company. Tune in to discover more about why.

All systems go!

Renewable food sources in deep space are a challenge. Listen as Todd-versations chats with Ralph Fritsche, Senior Project Manager for Space Crop Production in Support of Deep Space Exploration at NASA about ways they are looking to overcome them. This agency is exploring everything from planting mediums to using advanced plant closed-system habitats, and selective breeding options with seed companies, with the intent to establish viable crop systems that will sustain the journey and future outposts. 

If it takes years to get to Mars, stopping at the local grocery store or mid-space resupply isn't tenable. Let's put our heads together and help them develop solutions.

EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION

Todd-Bits chats with Kristen Yerecic Scott about why the SEPC and all its various components matter. Education, one of Southeast Produce Council's foundational tenets, is very close to her heart. And this year's Southern Exposure offers the opportunity to lean into the theme of Next Generation of Superheroes with two classes, "Prepare for the Future: Building the Next Generation of Leaders" and "Power of Produce 2022". 

SEPC events are family reunions and build on the concept that we are better together. Let them I.M.P.A.C.T. you! In their words, "Come for the business, stay for the fellowship and fun".

Listen As Todd chats with Organics Unlimited about who they are, what they believe, and what they do to back those beliefs up with action. They are nimble, responsive to the market, committed to the success of their workers, growers, and communities they represent. Their GROW program saw a need and worked to fill it by bringing people along with their success with the MILK program, microloans, scholarships, daycare, and more.

All this is accomplished with the power of the banana, a very undervalued banana, and a family determined to live their lives giving back more than they have received. Watch and listen as Myra and Daniella share their passion and enthusiasm. They are dreamers, goal-oriented, never willing to give up, doers. Proud to have them on the show.

"There is a lot more that binds us than divides us."

Groundswell Strategy shares some of the many things affecting policy and implementation in DC. Labor unions and problems relating to climate, sustainability, and worker safety all impact how and when legislation gets drafted and passed. Carmen points out some of the weaknesses of the 24-hour news cycle and some of the backstory contributing to supply-chain bottlenecks. Believe it or not, Todd-Bits also chats about immigration reform and what it will take to get it to the finish line. We packed a lot in the time we had!

She’d like to have dinner with Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Beyoncé.

Todd-versations is excited to introduce you to standout human being Sandra Gal, who happens to be an LPGA professional, 2x European Solheim Cup member, Olympic athlete, artist, thinker, and humanitarian. She’s an old soul that believes in investing in your personal growth by leaning into your passions. She’s on a journey, and we are looking forward to taking you along for the ride.

Nutritious. Delicious. Convenient. Affordable.

They are out to change the world one bite at a time. Listen as Lori Taylor of The Produce Moms chats with Todd about fresh produce and its ability to be a grand connector. Food is one of the international common denominators, and TPM wants us to know where our food comes from, how to conveniently add it to our daily meal toolkit, and what it has taken to get it to our tables. They have a passion and enthusiasm that we all can share about investing in our farmers, our families, and our stakeholders.

Come meet our friend, Abby Oppenheim. She's a master storyteller, media wiz, and founder of Apex Public Relations. Are you trying to build a brand? Listen as Abby shares with Todd how a good public relations firm can help you avoid pitfalls and get to the finish line faster. Hire a professional who can help you identify your unique story, be intentional in how you share your message, and be nimble enough to pivot in response to public perception.