ORLANDO, FL - Sysco’s Vice President of Produce Rich Dachman has won the Center for Growing Talent’s (CGT) inaugural Jay Pack Cultivating Our Future Award. The award, announced at PMA Fresh Summit in Orlando, FL, over the weekend, is intended to honor industry members that attract newcomers to build their careers in produce.

"I could not be more proud to receive this recognition," stated Dachman. "The students teach me more than I could ever instill upon them. For me, this is what it is all about. I believe when you make an investment in people, it continues to pay off long after you are gone. To be recognized for this important and rewarding work is so humbling. Thanks to Sysco for the continued support in this endeavor, and thanks to Center for Growing Talent for allowing me the opportunity."

Dachman actively participates in and supports programs that attract and develop industry talent. He has mentored Career Pathways students at Fresh Summit every year since 2008, and Sysco FreshPoint has gone on to hire several Career Pathways students. To this day, Dachman remains a mentor to many of his now-industry colleagues.

"We picked Rich because he exemplifies what attracting talent to our industry looks like," Alicia Calhoun, Vice President, Talent Portfolio, told me when I asked her why Rich was selected for the first-ever award. "He is always willing to serve as an Ambassador for career pathways, frequently hosts students for tours at FreshPoint’s facilities, and goes above and beyond to attract talent to this industry."

Nancy Johnston, Sysco’s Senior Sales Manager, Produce, accepted the award on Dachman’s behalf. Johnston also co-chairs CGT’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives Committee, which guides CGT’s women’s programming.

"Rich never turns down an ask from a member of the industry for a sit down or a call for coaching and mentoring," Johnston said. "He is also a great supporter of women in our industry."

The Jay Pack Cultivating Our Future Award was created earlier this year to recognize any industry members who are striving to attract talent through their passion and insights. According to a press release, the award is named for Pack, former CEO of Standard Fruit & Vegetable Co., who with then-PMA CEO Bryan Silbermann envisioned the Career Pathways program to attract top university students to industry careers.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to have Center for Growing Talent offer an award in my name recognizing an individual who supports attracting talent to our industry. While the original Pack Career Pathways Program has exceeded expectations and its success has been extremely gratifying, on a personal note, this award is certainly a career highlight," said Pack.

Congratulation Rich, on this fantastic honor. And stay tuned for more coverage on this year’s PMA Fresh Summit in the days to come.

Center for Growing Talent