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Aimee Peters Business Development Manager, West Coast FirstFruits Farms Yakima, WA Background: I grew up in Western Washington and proudly attended Central Washington University graduating with a degree in Business and Marketing, complemented by a minor in Sports Business. My career journey began in the vibrant world of brewing, where I managed marketing and event coordination at Iron Horse Brewery in Ellensburg, WA. Surrounded by the hop hub of the world, I built a network that stretched throughout the Greater Yakima area. But life took a turn when I veered into finance and accounting recruitment. It was a new challenge that I fully embraced – fast- paced, commission-driven, and it truly honed my sales spirit. Then, COVID-19 hit, and the job market dried up overnight. I was about a month into a new job before a dear friend from my brewing days threw me a lifeline – an opportunity in the apple industry in Eastern Washington. I’m forever grateful that FirstFruits took a chance on me, despite my lack of produce experience at the time. I haven’t looked back since April of 2021! My journey has been a blend of challenges and triumphs, teaching me resilience and instilling a hunger for growth. Now, I’m thrilled to embark on this professional development program, eager to expand my horizons and embrace new opportunities FPFC Connection: Last April, during a visit to the L.A. market to meet with customers, I found myself repeatedly asked if I was planning to attend the Fresh Produce and Floral Council Expo. This experience left a lasting impression, prompting me to delve deeper into the organization. Surprisingly, prior to that trip, I hadn’t heard of the FPFC. Consequently, the 2023 FPFC Expo became my inaugural event. Venturing solo, I found everyone to be remarkably approachable. It was during this event that I had the privilege of chatting with several former apprentice members, who generously shared their experiences, knowledge, and the value they derived from the program. Since then, I’ve participated in the first annual Top Golf event in September 2023 and, more recently, attended the FPFC Dinner Dance this February. The impressive turnout of retailers at these events underscores the meticulous planning and commitment to creating enjoyable and engaging experiences by the FPFC. This was further evident when I joined the Dinner Dance planning committee, witnessing firsthand the dedication of all the volunteers involved. Embarking on the FPFC Apprentice Program presents an exciting opportunity for me to deepen my understanding of the fresh produce and floral industries, refine my professional skills, and expand my network within the Southern California market. With three years of experience in business development and marketing for an apple and cherry grower, shipper, and packer in Washington State, I am eager to explore various sectors of the industry and gain a comprehensive overview of the supply chain. By leveraging the resources and opportunities provided by the program, I am confident that I will be better equipped to pursue my current career objectives and position myself as a future leader in the industry. Fun Fact: Amidst the whirlwind of the industry’s demands, I’ve discovered a haven in yoga. It’s become my anchor, a means to stay active and clear my mind of the day’s stresses, setting the stage for a productive day ahead. For me, a perfect day begins with a morning yoga session, then, there’s nothing quite like the serenity of gliding across the lake on a paddleboard. There’s something about being on the water that offers a profound sense of liberation, putting life’s minor obstacles into perspective. But beyond that, I have found a passion in the craft beer scene. From the onset of my career, I’ve been drawn to its diverse flavors, styles and the sense of community it fosters. I have my Cicerone Certification, meaning I learned to identify different styles, flavors, and how they should be served. Whether it’s basking in the sun on a summer’s day or cracking a cold one at a country music concert, nothing beats the simple joy of sharing beers with good company. 9