NFL Hall of Famer Mike Ditka to speak at United Fresh 2015
Ditka will share insights from his decades of experience as an NFL player, coach and analyst on the importance of leadership and the value of teamwork at the General Session, on Wednesday, June 10, at McCormick Place in Chicago, US.
FMI Connect 2015
Mary Coppola, senior director, marketing communications, United Fresh Produce Association, told FoodProductionDaily, this year’s event is co-located with FMI Connect 2015 and the International Floriculture Expo.
Exhibitors will debut products, packaging and technologies across multiple markets for fresh produce, processing, floral products and the broader food industry.
“United Fresh 2015’s Fresh Marketplace and Fresh Tech shows are the cornerstone of this year’s event,” she said.
Highlights include the annual Reception Honoring Women in Produce, a popular networking event which recognises women working in the produce industry and one outstanding female industry leader.
There is also The Retail-Foodservice Celebration Dinner on Wednesday, June 10, which pays tribute to the “best of the best” in the produce industry.
Ditka, otherwise known as ‘Da Coach or Iron Mike,’ played for, and coached the Bears for 17 seasons.
Ditka has won three Super Bowls
Over a single decade (‘82-‘92), he coached the Bears compiling a win-loss record of 112 to 68 during that time. He guided the Bears to six NFC Central Divisional titles, in addition to three NFC title games.
Most notably, the '85 Bears are considered amongst the NFL's "Best Ever Teams" going 18-1 that year culminating with the Super Bowl XX title. Twice, Ditka was named the NFL's Coach of the Year ('85 and '88). From 1985-1988, he led the Bears to 52 wins – the most ever by an NFL team in a four-year span in NFL history. He left the Bears football organization in 1992.
Ditka has won three Super Bowls, as a play (Dallas- Super Bowl VI), as an assistant coach, (Dallas-Super Bowl XII), and as a head coach (Chicago Super Bowl XX). He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
He currently serves as a commentator and analyst for ESPN.
“The drive and execution Mike Ditka has shown throughout his successful NFL career is astonishing,” said Tom Stenzel, president/CEO, United Fresh.
“We are excited to have him share his career highlights and inspire our audience with his perspectives on achieving personal and professional success.”
The United Fresh Produce Association was founded in 1904, and brings together companies across every segment of the fresh produce supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.
