N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 4 POTATO GROWER 4 POTATO GROWER PMA Fresh Summit a Big Success Plus a Surprise Visitor!! by Ted Kreis, NPPGA Marketing and Communications Director Red River Valley Potatoes exhibited for the 38th consecutive year at the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Fresh Summit which was held this year in New Orleans on October 19-21. The Red River Valley Potato booth sponsored by the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association (NPPGA) was one of more than 1,000 on the huge exhibit hall floor, a floor that was filled with over 19,500 attendees from over 60 different countries. The Red River Valley had its best turnout of shippers in many years with nine packing sheds being represented. Those attend- ing were Tim Johnstone from Associated Potato Growers; Thomas Campbell from Campbell Farms; Casey Folson from Folson Farms; Greg Hall representing J.G. Hall & Sons and H & S FreshPak; Steve Tweten, Mike Rerick and Carissa Olsen from NoKota Packers; Dave Moquist representing O.C. Schulz & Sons and H & S FreshPak and Lawrence Kimball representing Spokely Farms. Ted Kreis from NPPGA set up and hosted the booth. Another Red River Valley shipper, Black Gold Farms had their own booth with a large contingent present including Gregg, Eric, John and Leah Halverson, Keith Groven, Casey Byram and Matt Jahnke. “Live Redventurously” was the theme of the Black Gold Farms booth where they sampled a warm red pota- to recipe. The Red River Valley booth featured new displays that feature the current print and digital ad campaign. The theme was “Thinking Red Potatoes? Think the Red River Valley” with a tag line “Beautiful Yellow Potatoes Too,” a tag line that is needed as yellow potatoes become more and more popular with con- sumers and growers in the valley. The booth featured a Plinko board for visitors to play. All players won one of four Red River Valley Potato logoed prizes. A pleasant surprise happened the last day of the show when a lady from South Dakota came by the Red River Valley Potato booth and alerted us that Cara Mund, the first-ever Miss America from North Dakota was making a guest appearance at a floral booth about 20 aisles away, but her appearance would end in just five minutes! You have never seen a bunch of mid- dle-aged men move so fast! Thankfully our group arrived at L to R Standing: Tim Johnstone, Casey Folson, Steve Tweten, Mike Rerick, Carissa Olsen and Dave Moquist. Seated: Greg Hall and Ted Kreis. The Red River Valley booth featuring new display boards. Matt Jahnke and Leah Halverson put final touches on the Black Gold Farms booth.