When I first got involved with Women’s Fresh Perspectives, I saw it as something special but contained — an annual moment to step back from the day-to-day grind of produce and invest in ourselves as leaders. In our industry, that’s rare. Produce is fast. It’s perishable. It’s margin-driven. It’s operationally complex. Most days are about solving today’s problem before it turns into tomorrow’s shrink report. So, carving out space for development and connection once a year felt meaningful. What’s happened since then has been bigger than an event. 

Over the past year, Women’s Fresh Perspectives

Sysco and Jetro Restaurant Depot have entered into a definitive agreement under which Sysco will acquire Jetro Restaurant Depot in a transformative transaction that allows Sysco to enter the high-margin, growing and resilient Cash & Carry channel. Under the terms of the agreement, the total value of the deal is approximately $29.1 billion.

Upon closing of the transaction, Jetro Restaurant Depot will operate as a standalone business segment within Sysco. Jetro Restaurant Depot’s leadership team is expected to remain in place under Richard Kirschner, who will report to Hourican. In addition, two

A troubling labor trend emerged in 2025: women are leaving the workforce at an accelerating rate.

According to new Catalyst data reported in Forbes, more than 455,000 women exited the U.S. workforce between January and August of 2025 alone. While layoffs accounted for part of the decline, most women (58 percent) left voluntarily, often pushed out by structural pressures rather than personal choice. 

There’s also a persistent narrative that women are simply choosing to step back from their careers.  In reality, research is pointing to systemic factors that impact women disproportionately.  Caregi

To celebrate Earth Month, Natural Grocers is once again teaming up with Rodale Institute for its annual Ladybug Love campaign. Rooted in the company's longstanding commitment to organic integrity, regenerative agriculture and environmental stewardship, the campaign encourages communities to protect beneficial insects, while supporting regenerative organic agriculture.

This year's Earth Month fundraising efforts will benefit Rodale Institute's Farmer Training Programs—highly immersive, full-time programs that prepare farmers for careers in regenerative organic crop and vegetable production by

I recently attended a hunting, fishing and outdoor show at a convention center with my colleague, Bob. The venue was filled with hundreds of attendees exploring booths featuring camping gear, hunting attire, fishing equipment, offroad vehicles and other outdoor necessities.

Bob sought a belt to complement his fishing outfit. We visited several booths and conversed with sales representatives. While he identified multiple belts that met his needs he hesitated to make a purchase. Each time, he informed the salesperson, “I’ll think about it.”

Some individuals display hesitation or find decision

When people hear about the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference they often assume it is a career development event for women. Yes, it is that, but reducing it to an individual leadership conference misses the bigger truth: this gathering is about strengthening the entire produce and floral industry.

At a time when our sector faces persistent labor shortages, generational transition, supply chain complexity, margin pressure and rapid technological change, talent is not a soft issue. It is a strategic one. Leadership development is not a side initiative. It is core infrastructure for a resilient