Montreal, June 9, 2017 – Wednesday night the QPMA held its first Next-Generation Happy Hour, organized to welcome younger, up-and-coming members of Quebec’s produce industry. During a relaxed, informal evening, young produce industry professionals had an opportunity to talk with one another and connect with members who already represent the future of the fresh produce sector and its association. The event was also chosen as the occasion to officially launch the “QPMA Next-Generation Network” and unveil its visual signature.
Next-Generation Happy Hour
The Next-Generation Happy Hour is the first of a long series of events dedicated to young professionals in the QPMA. Board president Roland Lafont of Vergers St-Paul said he was delighted to bring members of the upcoming generation together in a more intimate, pressure-free atmosphere where they could meet their peers and start developing more solid business relationships. “It’s good, because there aren’t that many of us, which means we can have more open conversations with the people we meet, and really talk about how we see things, without having to keep anything back,” said one of the participants. This kind of event is helpful as a springboard for those just getting a start in the industry and in building their networks, besides the idea of having more younger members to ensure the association’s longevity. It was also an opportunity for the next generation to meet QPMA board members who made a special point of being there for the occasion.
Obviously, an activity of this type couldn’t take place without some financial support. The QPMA Next-Generation Happy Hour organizing committee is grateful to the partners who helped make the evening possible: Loblaw, Metro, and Sobeys.
Next-Generation Network
During the evening, Simon-Pierre Murdock, acting in his capacity as QPMA next-generation intern for 2016-2017, officially launched the QPMA Next-Generation Network, and at the same time unveiled its special visual signature. The network groups together all QPMA members 18 to 35 years old to better meet the needs of this membership category by organizing various dedicated activities, like the Next-Generation Happy Hour, “speed mentoring” sessions, and the “Cultivating the Next Generation” program to encourage more involvement in the association, inspire people to develop their talents, and enhance and ensure sustainable human resources for the produce industry. Over time, other networking and educational activities will be added to build even better QPMA resources for the next generation.
About the QPMA
Founded in 1947, the Quebec Produce Marketing Association (QPMA) is a nonprofit organization that brings together members from every sector of the produce industry, working in close synergy with them and with its various industry partners. The QPMA works to create a favourable environment for the development of fruit and vegetable marketing in Quebec, plays a leadership role in promoting fruits and vegetables, and represents and defends the best interests of its members with government and industry.
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Information
Maude Ménard-Labrecque
Communications and Events Coordinator
QPMA
514-355-4330, extension 226
mmenard@aqdfl.ca
