Speaker Spotlight
Joe Pettit
Joe Pettit is an author, keynote speaker, and founder of New Leaf Leadership, a consultancy focused on leadership development and emotional intelligence. With years of experience in school district leadership, Joe has developed a reputation as a sought-after speaker, known for his memorable, impactful content and engaging delivery. Joe is an innovator of personal growth strategies and passionate about empowering leaders to improve communication and teamwork. A South Carolina native, Joe enjoys spending quality time with his wife, four children, and dog. When he's not speaking or coaching, you'll likely find him tending his organic raised bed vegetable garden, cheering on his favorite football team, or enjoying family vacations. To learn more about Joe and his work, visit him at www.joepettitinspires.com or www.newleafleadership.com.
Tom Schwartz
Tom, "the produce whisperer", started his produce career in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the early 70’s as a produce assistant in a local grocery store. While attending college he worked in restaurants and graduated to “produce manager” for many years. Throughout the 1980’s, he purchased and ran his own produce wholesale and retail company. In the 1990’s he became a Produce Warehouse Distribution Manager and Quality Control Supervisor for a large “well known” wholesale outlet. In 2000 he started his career with the Federal Government as a USDA Agricultural Commodity Grader in the New York City Terminal Market. Becoming a Training Officer and then a Master Training Specialist for 20 years until his retirement in 2024. He has spent his entire career in the produce industry.
Dr. Jim Painter, PhD, RD
Dr. Jim Painter is an Adjunct Professor at University of Texas School of Public Health, Professor Emeritus from Eastern Illinois University, and program director at John Patrick University's Lifestyle Medicine program. His research specialties include heart disease and mindless eating. Jim has been an advisor for Sun-Maid Raisin Growers and Paramount Farms, and consults for the National Dairy Council. He worked for Marriott Corporation in the 1980s, taught at University of Illinois during the 1990s and at Eastern Illinois University until 2013. Jim has over 100 peer reviewed publications to his credit.
He and his wife Rosemary have six grandchildren.
Farm to School
Farm to school efforts help teach children where their food comes from and how food fuels their bodies. It enhances classroom education through hands-on learning, such as school gardens and other educational activities related to food, health, agriculture, and nutrition. These activities ignite excitement around food, and this holistic approach to learning enhances the chances that students will adopt these practices beyond the classroom. Farm to school can happen anywhere, but when it’s featured in the cafeteria, classroom, and community, it enhances the connection for children. When local foods are purchased for child nutrition programs, it can serve as a financial opportunity to boost local economies.
Accomodations
Hilton Garden Inn
4351 17th Ave S, Fargo
$129 + tax per night
(701) 499-6000
Room block expires May 5, 2024
Basket Raffle
The always popular basket raffle will be part of the Thursday evening banquet activities!
Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase and enter tickets for a chance to win from an array of creative and uniquely themed gift baskets!
Conference attendees and vendors are invited to donate a themed basket for the basket raffle. Donated baskets are not an approved expense for program funds.
Baskets will be collected at conference registration.