In this issue:
- A Round of Applause for Our New Members
- From the Chair: Pat Goin Recaps Blueberry Summit Wins
- Board Spotlight: Chelsea Consalo, Executive Vice President, Consalo Family Farms
- 5 Reasons to Join Us for The Blueberry Hill Climb
- Save the Date for The Blueberry Convention
- We Can Help Promote Your Event!
A Round of Applause for Our New Members
We’re excited to welcome a cadre of new members to NABC!
Tell everyone in your network about NABC and encourage them to join!
From the Chair: Pat Goin Recaps Blueberry Summit Wins
By Pat Goin
NABC Chair
At the end of September, the industry gathered in Savannah, Georgia, for The Blueberry Summit, an event that brought together hundreds of folks from our blueberry community. With over 350 in attendance, the gathering set an event attendance record for NABC and USHBC!
I’m grateful for all who attended and for the learning and networking that took place. And I also want to thank our sponsors who helped make the event better than ever, and our hardworking staff who created an outstanding conference.
The day before the summit, NABC board members gathered for a strategic planning session where we focused on the many opportunities for growth for the industry, and the ways we can continue to build on NABC’s recent growth and momentum. With input from this meeting and assistance from consultant Jim DeLizia, we’re developing a comprehensive strategic plan that will guide NABC’s efforts for the next five years. I look forward to sharing that when complete.
Another highlight of the summit was the NABC Awards ceremony where we honored our first inductees into the Blueberry Hall of Fame. The NABC Hall of Fame Award is a new recognition that honors and celebrates blueberry leaders, growers and suppliers who have made a lasting impact on the blueberry industry in North America. The inaugural Hall of Fame inductees were longtime industry thought leaders Denny Doyle and Art Galletta.
We also honored Ridley Bell of Mountain Blue Orchards with the Duke Galletta Award, and John Shelford of Naturipe with the Alex Wetherbee Award, and we recognized those visionaries who originally founded the NABC. During the NABC Board Meeting, we also paid tribute to the legacy and pioneering work of our dear friend Bernadine Strik, Ph.D. She was a true champion of the blueberry industry, and her legacy of innovation, research and passion will impact generations of blueberry growers to come.
All in all, The Blueberry Summit was an amazing celebration of the industry and a wonderful opportunity for knowledge sharing. I encourage you to join us at our upcoming events, The Blueberry Hill Climb, Jan. 29-31 in Washington, D.C. and The Blueberry Convention, Feb. 28-March 1 in Tucson, Arizona.
Board Spotlight: Chelsea Consalo, Executive Vice President, Consalo Family Farms
In this issue of the NABC newsletter, we’re introducing a new board spotlight feature! Each month, we’ll include a question-and–answer interview with an NABC board member, digging into their industry experience, personal passions and goals for their board service.
Our inaugural interview features five questions with Chelsea Consalo, executive vice president of Consalo Family Farms in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey.
What was your first job in blueberries?
I joined my family’s produce business after college graduation in 2014, managing food safety. I started working primarily in blueberries in late 2015. When I became involved in the blueberry farming operation, I took on roles in farm-personnel management, compliance and payroll coordination. I became truly passionate about my job on the farm. My passion for this industry comes from being a part of where it all starts – from the ground up.
What makes you passionate about the industry?
I’m passionate about blueberries because blueberries gave me love for the produce business. Early on, I struggled to find my role in my company. Even though I grew up around the produce business, I had a lot to learn. I struggled to step back and observe. I wanted to jump right in and do it all. … It took me quite a while to realize that I would find my place after a growth period. Working with family can also present challenges, but I feel blessed that my family works together so incredibly well. I always feel supported at work, and I know that I have a great team by my side.
What do you love about your job?
Right now, I wear many hats for my family’s farms as well as production and packing facilities. Getting to be so involved has been a dream. The multifaceted nature of my role has offered me many opportunities to grow personally and professionally. I also lead a local soup kitchen. I’m indebted to my family business because I have been able to devote time to that and give back.
What’s one of your goals as an NABC board member?
My priority as an NABC board member is to encourage fresh perspectives. I’m a champion for new leaders joining the team, and feel that the encouragement of collaboration is a necessity.
If you weren’t in the blueberry business what would you be doing?
I love to bake, and at one time I had my heart set on baking as a career. If I was not doing what I do now, I would most definitely be setting up the perfect spot to make that happen.
5 Reasons to Join Us for The Blueberry Hill Climb
There are dozens of reasons to add your voice to The Blueberry Hill Climb, Jan. 29-31 in Washington, D.C., but our top five are pretty convincing!
- Your story and experience matters! You’re the boots on the ground for the blueberry industry. Policymakers need to hear about your pain points and what you need to continue to be successful.
- We’ll train you! That’s right. You don’t need to be a lobbying expert. You’ll get a full day of education and training to prepare you to talk to policymakers.
- You’ll make a difference. Whether it’s the Farm Bill, disaster assistance, child nutrition in schools or additional funding for blueberry research, when you share the industry’s critical topics with elected officials, you’ll know you’re making a difference for your peers!
- You’ll acquire new skills. Thanks to training from NABC Director of Government Affairs Alyssa Houtby, lobbying partner Monument Advocacy, and education sessions, you’ll learn how to be an advocate, how meetings with policymakers are conducted and how to be a better speaker.
- It’s fun! Sharing your voice really is a good time. You’ll know you’re making a difference for the blueberry industry, and you’ll make new connections that will come in handy for years to come!
Plus, book your room within our block at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco ASAP to take advantage of our discounted group rate!
Save the Date for The Blueberry Convention
Registration and housing for The Blueberry Convention, Feb. 28-March 1 in Tucson, Arizona, are open!
Sign up now to take advantage of early-bird registration and discounted housing. And stay tuned for information on The Grab a Boost of Blue Golf Tournament taking place at the convention.
You do not want to miss this opportunity to learn alongside your industry colleagues, hear from inspirational and informative speakers and hit the links!
We Can Help Promote Your Event!
Have a blueberry industry event you’d like mentioned in the monthly NABC newsletter? Email Kristy Babb at [email protected] with the details!
