Panhandle Fresh Marketing Association Names New Coordinator
When Panhandle vegetable growers begin harvesting their crops this year, they will have some expert help in getting their produce onto local store aisles. TEAM Santa Rosa Economic Development Council, Inc. is proud to announce that it has contracted with Andrea Sutrick, a Pace native and veteran marketing professional who spent 10 years with Kraft Foods, getting the company’s products on store shelves nationwide.
Andrea, her husband and son have now realized their dream of returning to Santa Rosa County. In her new role, she will work with area grocery and “big-box” stores in an effort to get them to fill their shelves with locally grown vegetables.
“After 10 years with Kraft, we had long desired for a return back to Santa Rosa County,” Andrea said. “My husband returned to work full-time as a Fire Fighter in Fort Walton Beach. I was seeking a community position that would complement my grocery business experience. Now, the new chapter begins in Milton, with Panhandle Fresh. It is energizing to meet all the people who have helped build Panhandle Fresh thus far. I can't wait to see where it will grow to next!”
The Panhandle Fresh Marketing Association (PFMA), which is intended to assist farmers in pooling their resources and allowing them access to larger markets in the produce industry, was recently awarded the Santa Rosa Community Achievement Award for 2008.
“This is a special recognition for us because agribusiness is such an important revenue source for our economy and is an integral component of our cultural landscape, both historically and as we look toward future growth. The more we work together to create synergistic partnerships, the more we ensure a sustainable and bright future for agribusiness in our region and a substantial positive impact on our local economy,” said Cindy Anderson, executive director for TEAM Santa Rosa.
TEAM Santa Rosa launched the Panhandle Fresh initiative last year in an effort to help keep small vegetable growers in business by opening new markets. The goal is to ensure that the agribusiness industry in our region continues to thrive by, not only providing farmers with new technology and options of produce to grow locally, but also that they have options on where and how to market their produce.
TEAM Santa Rosa Economic Development Council, Inc. is the central facilitator for attracting, retaining, and expanding industry, as well as for recruiting and retaining skilled employees. Located at 6491 Caroline Street, Suite 4, Milton, FL 32570, our doors are always to open for prospective clients who would like to better position their business for success. You can also visit our website, www.teamsantarosa.com, or call us at (850) 623-0174.
