The Oppenheimer Group has the PMA Foundation for Industry Talent (FIT) to thank for its latest recruit.

Allison Dahlgren became the international marketer’s new business development representative on January 5. A December, 2009 graduate of the Arizona State University’s agribusiness program and a recipient of a 2009 Pack Family/PMA Career Pathways scholarship, Dahlgren got acquainted with Oppenheimer through the PMA FIT job fair and a series of interviews at last October’s Fresh Summit. Upon completion of her degree, she chose Oppenheimer as the right place to begin her career.

“Produce may not always be top of mind when students consider their career choices,” she said. “But when Arizona State became involved with the FIT program and invited a few students to attend PMA, I was intrigued. And then when I attended the show, I was so impressed by the positive nature of the industry and the opportunities it represented for me, I decided I wanted to be part of it.”

Based in Newark, Del., Dahlgren will create and implement promotional strategies and merchandising tactics for Oppenheimer’s full product range in partnership with retailers, wholesalers and foodservice customers in Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Washington D.C.

Having grown up on a grain farm and worked in various marketing capacities while attending college, Dahlgren brings a wide range of relevant experience to the position. Most recently, she worked as a sales intern at Paychex, Inc. in Phoenix, Ariz. Dahlgren also conducted events and promotions on behalf of Anheuser-Busch, in Fridley, Minn., and Clear Channel Communications in Minneapolis, Minn. In addition, her experience in restaurant management enables her to bring foodservice insight to her new position.

“Oppenheimer has been a strong supporter of the Foundation for Industry Talent since its inception, believing in the importance of investing in the future of our company and the industry as a whole,” said Bill Poulos, sales manager for Oppenheimer’s Newark location. “With the addition of Allison to our team, we are experiencing the benefits of the foundation’s work firsthand.”

Oppenheimer’s chairman, president, and CEO, John Anderson, has served on the PMA FIT board of directors since the foundation was established four years ago. Additionally, in honor of its 150^th anniversary in 2008, the company contributed a $150,000 investment to progress the objectives of the foundation.

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Related Web sites: www.oppyproduce.com, www.pmafit.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PHOTOS PLEASE CONTACT:

Karin Gardner, Communications Manager

Ph: 206-284-1705

karga@oppy.com

Kinley Engdahl-Johnson, Media Relations Specialist

Ph: 206-284-1705

kinen@oppy.com