FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Hannah La Luzerne
520-394-7322
Lance Jungmeyer
520-287-2707
EXPO BRINGS SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS TO NOGALES
1st Annual Southern AZ Sustainability Expo Shows Companies How to Save Money While Reducing Their Environmental Impact
Nogales, Arizona USA (Wednesday, May 24, 2017) – Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) partnered with member Wholesum Harvest for the 1st Annual Southern AZ Sustainability Expo on Thursday, May 18th at the Santa Cruz Center in Nogales, AZ. The expo included a diverse vendor fair and six panel discussions with experts on solar, energy efficiency, building automation, waste reduction and recycling, sustainable packaging and green transportation.
Companies today are faced with the financial pressure to reduce costs and the social pressure to be more environmentally friendly. Attendees of the Expo had the chance to connect with a wide range of experts to learn how sustainability programs can provide real solutions to address both of these concerns. Exhibitors included independent contractors and service providers as well as government agencies.
“Our goal was to present sustainability in a way that made it more accessible and more aligned to the real challenges of organizations in our community,” said Hannah La Luzerne, Sustainability Manager at Wholesum Harvest. “The Expo created a great space for people to ask questions, expand their understanding of different sustainability topics, and leave with the tools for implementing these programs in their own operations. Our hope is that in sharing this information and empowering more people to participate, we can be a much bigger force for good on this planet.”
FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer pointed to the event as a sign of the community coming together to tackle shared problems, and to seek shared solutions.
“The great thing about the businesses in southern Arizona is that, while they are all competitors, they are willing to share their best practices and work together toward common solutions to reduce energy use and impact on the environment,” Jungmeyer said. “It all started when Hannah approached FPAA about expanding the expo to the whole industry. By example, Wholesum showed that we are all in this together, and they opened up their contacts to the industry, because they see the big picture.”
The event attracted nearly 100 attendees and 24 vendors.
A portion of the proceeds will establish a scholarship for students with an interest in sustainability and the produce industry.
FPAA will be posting highlights from the event at www.freshfrommexico.com.
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Southern AZ Sustainability Expo
The Southern AZ Sustainability Expo connects businesses and property managers with the products and services for implementing sustainability practices that are good for the planet and good for the bottom line.
Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
Founded in Nogales, Arizona, in 1944, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas has grown to become one of the most influential agricultural groups in the United States. Today, the FPAA provides a powerful voice for improvement and sustainability, serving the needs of more than 100 North American companies involved in the growth, harvest, marketing, import, and distribution of Mexican produce.
Wholesum Harvest
Wholesum Harvest is a third-generation family owned grower and distributor of certified organic and Fair Trade fresh produce headquartered in Nogales, AZ. We believe the healthiest, most flavorful produce is also grown responsibly, which is why we are committed to leaving the planet better than we found it.
