Global Cold Chain Alliance, United Fresh Produce Association Will Launch Global Chain Cold Expo June 2016

April 29, 2015

The United Fresh Produce Association, already with a successful show serving the produce industry in June in Chicago, has teamed up with the Global Cold Chain Alliance, which represents all major industries engaged in temperature-controlled logistics, to launch Global Chain Cold Expo.

The new show will be collocated with not only United Fresh, but also FMI Connect and the International Floriculture Expo June 2016 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

Corey Rosenbusch, president and CEO for GCCA, and Tom Stenzel, president and CEO for United Fresh, jointly made the announcement during the IARW-WFLO Convention & Expo recently held in Orlando.

“Increasingly, the fresh produce industry is being challenged to compete with locally grown, short haul fruits and vegetables that are picked closer to ripeness,” Stenzel said.

He added, “We believe the only way we can enhance quality control in our supply chain is a deep dive into the cold chain and technologies that bring our growers, packers and wholesalers closer to the consumer.”

For industry suppliers, the Global Cold Chain Expo will provide a competitive advantage by building brand awareness, expanding audience penetration to all global buyers of temperature-controlled transportation and facilities, and connecting suppliers to key decision makers, according to show management.

“The cold chain industry has evolved - the pallet-in, pallet-out storage business of yesterday has transformed into a total logistics solution,” Rosenbusch said. “Today’s customers place a higher value and priority on total cold chain solutions, no matter which industry and anywhere in the world”.

The events next June are expected to attract more than 15,000 key decision makers from retail, foodservice, processing, production, distribution, logistics and transportation. Attendees will represent frozen, refrigerated, ambient and fresh operations.

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.