The annual New York Produce Show and Conference (NYPS) opened Dec.10-12 2024, with Where PASSION BECOMES ACTION as the overall theme.
The show had a record audience of more than 5,000 executives attending the one-day trade show and three co-located events.
There were close to 350-plus exhibiting companies and a record of 41 sponsors. The New York Produce Show is organized by Produce Business and the Eastern Produce Council.
“Feeling grateful and showing our gratitude can be our choice as we endeavor to change forever how we experience the challenges and blessings presented by our vibrant and vital produce industry,” says Ken Whitacre, chief executive/publisher, Produce Business.
The conference opened Tuesday with the Global Trade Symposium at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel.
The symposium provided an intensive look into global trade from the perspective of produce moving in Routes of Success.
The critical strategies and roadmaps importers use to bring the freshest, highest quality produce into the U.S. and Canada from every corner of the globe.
Some of the topics included; The Global scope of the U.S. Produce industry, importing from Mexico leveraging the most valuable Partnership, importing from Central America, importing from Europe, North America and South Africa: Leveraging the seasons and Transportation and Logistics, The dynamics of shipping and delivery.
Some of the Speakers for the Global Trade Symposium included: Ron Lemaire, President, Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), John Pandol, director of Special projects, Pandol Bros, Andres Ocampo, CEO, HLB Specialties, Robert Schueller, Director of Public Relations, Melissa’s, Alejandro Moralejo, CEO Salix fruits, Peng Liu, President Orchard direct and many more.
Rising Star Reception 40 under 40, young and brilliant minds involved in the produce business were honored, during this VIP and only invite reception.
Opening Cocktail reception took place, on the opening day, with who is who? of produce business in attendance, networking, enjoying drinks and good food.
The Next day Dec 11th 2024, we are at New York Javits Center, welcoming remarks by Susan McAleavey Sarlund, Executive Director, Eastern Produce Council, and Co- Organizer of the Show Alongside Produce Business.
Next up Remarks by Theresa Lowden, President, Eastern Produce Council, (EPC), Executive Vice President Produce and Floral JOH. Also Presented Produce Business innovation awards, as well as The Joe Nucci Award, Consumption Awards Recognition.
National Anthem was performed by Harlem School of the Arts. Keynote speaker was Matthew Luhn, Former creative lead, Disney/Pixar (Monsters Inc., Cars, Toy Story), Mr. Luhn’s Speech was one of the best speeches I heard for a long time, you can listen partially to it by clicking link below.
The Ribbon Cutting took place just before the Show floor opened up, with VIP people in attendance from the produce world, cutting the ribbon and officially opening the show floor.
Consumer Media and Influencers Explore Health, Consumption at NYPS Media Lunch, A select group of 65 consumer media and influencers discussed and debated health trends, produce prescriptions and how to increase produce consumption to affect health during a private luncheon and presentation held during the New York Produce Show on December11, 2024.
Attending the event were top journalists which included our Chief Editor, Dr Adal Muneer, For World Liberty TV, Food Channels and dieticians from cooking magazines, social media, radio programs, news services and television as well as retail store dieticians.
Stefanie Katzman of wholesaler S. Katzman Produce welcomed the group, talking about the role of Hunts Point Market as well as the importance of increasing produce consumption.
Main speaker Marion Nestle, the Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita, at New York University, presented a provocative message looking at produce prescriptions and the politics of dietary choice and influencing consumption.
“We must address the politics of produce in America, from production to consumption, and argue for policy changes to make a positive difference in produce intake and population health,” said Nestle. “We need to rebalance the discussion.”
Attendees discussed the practical aspects of how to integrate more produce into diets with
Katie Calligaro, director marketing and communications at The Foundation for Fresh
Produce. “Plant-passionate communicators can help improve health through encouraging readers and shoppers to incorporate more fruits and vegetables,” she said. “We know nine out of ten Americans are not eating enough fruits and vegetables.
We want to help our communicators have access to the best information so they can deliver consistent, positive and inspirational content directly to consumers as we work together to improve consumption. This group is imperative to meeting consumers where they are.”
For a hands-on component, Robert Schueller of Melissa’s showcased unique specialty produce items and discussed Melissa’s top 20 trending specialty items for 2025 including top five: dutch yellow potatoes, ginger, baby red potatoes, steamed lentils and steamed red beets. “Reasons driving these trends are color, convenience, cross-cultural, organic, and plant based,” he says. “But, overall it still comes down to flavor.”
Attendees were treated to a fun, guided tasting of uncommon produce flavors by culinary expert Jill Overdorf of the Produce Ambassador. Additionally, event co-sponsor Thx!
Dreams, discussed its socially conscious program that partners with produce brands to provide authentic connections between shoppers and farmworkers. The initiative works to help farmworkers achieve their personal dreams.
See much more about New York Produce Show 2024, in our World Liberty TV, Food Channels by clicking here.
Gervonta “Tank” Davis Returns To Defend WBA Lightweight World Championship Against WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach On Saturday, March 1 Headlining A PBC Pay-Per-View Event On Prime Video From Barclays Center In Brooklyn.
Boxing superstar and WBA Lightweight World Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis went face-to-face with red-hot WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach at a press conference in Brooklyn on Tuesday to preview their lightweight world championship clash that headlines a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, March 1 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
A five-time, three-division world champion, Davis returns to Barclays Center where he set the building’s record for the highest-grossing and most-attended boxing event when he scored a highlight-reel KO of Rolando Romero in May 2022.
At Tuesday’s press conference, the fighters re-ignited their rivalry that dates back to their amateur days and promised fireworks when they meet in the ring on March 1. The press tour will continue on Thursday with an open to the public press conference in Washington, D.C.
Tickets for the live event go on sale Thursday, December 5 beginning at 10 a.m. ET and will be available through ticketmaster.com.
Pre-sale tickets are AVAILABLE NOW until 9 a.m. ET on Thursday, December 5 through ticketmaster.com with the code: PBC.
In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.The event is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday from Barclays Center: GERVONTA DAVIS “I’m gonna chop, chop, bob and weave. I’m gonna end it in the ninth round.
“I like to show people that they aren’t who they say they are. I like to prove it to the people they come with. My first time winning the title, the whole building doubted me.
“I’m excited to be a part of this and come March 1, this is gonna be a great event. It’s gonna be an exciting show, with the same results as always. You just have to wait and see.
“The people’s energy here is amazing. I won my first championship here and I have more followers from New York than almost anywhere. New Yorkers come with great energy.
“Lamont’s got skills. Even at a smaller weight class. He’s one of the guys who I came up with in the sport of boxing, and he’s still doing well. He’s definitely a top opponent and everyone will see that on March 1. “We’ll have to test his chin come March 1. He might think my opponents don’t have chins, but we’ll definitely test it. I say leave the kids at home.”
LAMONT ROACH: “I shouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe I’m gonna win. I’ve hurt everybody that I’ve been in the ring with and this won’t be any different.
“This is a hell of an opportunity and we’re gonna conquer it. Everyone knows what I’m coming to do. And if you don’t, you’ll be surprised. I’m gonna show you what happens when two dogs go in the ring together.
“My team built my career from the ground up. I have the same team from when I turned professional and we took on the best fights for my career. I worked myself to the number one contender spot, lost a fight and bounced back. We have a common opponent in Hector Luis Garcia and I beat him easily.
“The Frank Martin fight was relatively easy for him. It is what it is. Frank was inexperienced and nervous. This is going to be a different fight when I’m in there. He’s gonna be a different fighter when he’s fighting me.
“It’s a big difference fighting each other in the amateurs and fighting now. We’ve both evolved and gotten better and do different things in the ring. There might be some tendencies that we already know, but I don’t expect those things to matter on the big stage. “I don’t care about being the underdog or being the favorite. Either way, I’m gonna win.”
See Much more Gervonta “Tank” Davis VS Lamont Roach, New York Press Conference in our World Liberty TV, Boxing Channels by clicking here.
BY: Adal Hussain , Chief Editor for World Liberty TV, 71st & Columbus Ave NYC 11/27/24
Giant balloons, fabulous floats, exciting entertainers and more are joining our all-star celebration. A massive line of people snaked around Columbus Avenue from 72nd to 78th streets near the American Museum of Natural History to watch the traditional Macy’s Balloon Inflation Celebration.
This 98th edition of the world’s largest parade, which typically draws some 3.5 million spectators to Manhattan, will feature 7 Balloonicles, 22 Balloons, 34 floats, 11 marching bands, 28 Clown Crews and Twenty-eight performers Macy’s announced.
Everyone’s favorite parade balloons are getting inflated Wednesday afternoon on the Upper West Side.
Macy’s Balloon Inflation Celebration is taking place 12 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Sixteen featured helium balloons and 32 novelty and heritage balloons will be prepped for their big flight on Thanksgiving Day.
The parade kicks off at 8:30 a.m. beginning from 77th Street and Central Park West and proceeding two and a half miles south to finish in front of Macy’s at 34th Street-Herald Square.
Inside the float inflation area Wednesday, trucks of compressed helium were seen near partially inflated balloons, including Smokey Bear and Snoopy, which were under weighted-down nets.
98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcast live on NBC and Peacock. Hosted by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker.
Performers include Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Billy Porter, Dan + Shay, Dasha, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Ariana Madix, Idina Menzel, T-Pain, Lea Salonga, The Temptations and Charli D’Amelio. Special appearances by Cynthia Erivo and Cole Escola.
This year’s parade features 5,000 volunteers, 17 character balloons, 22 floats, 15 heritage and novelty balloons, over 700 clowns, 11 marching bands, and 10 performance groups
The 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marched through New York City, filling the streets, skies and many television screens with colorful, festive floats, balloons and performers on Thursday.
“For nearly 100 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been synonymous with the beginning of the holiday season, celebration and togetherness,” said Will Coss, Executive Producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“Our talented team of Macy’s Studios artisans and production specialists work year-round to deliver the nation’s most beloved holiday event, live on Thanksgiving morning.
We are proud to hold this responsibility and look forward to sharing our unbelievable designs, larger-than-life character balloons and first-class entertainment, all sure to create lifelong memories for Parade fans nationwide.”
The 98th Macy’s Parade lineup up included 5,000 volunteers, 7 Balloonicles, 22 Balloons, 34 floats, 11 marching bands, 28 Clown Crews and Twenty-eight Performers Joining these Macy’s Parade fixtures are some of the biggest stars in music, all welcoming in Santa Claus and the holidays.
Mayor Eric Adams and Newly Appointed NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch quelled fears about any additional threats.
“The NYPD and our team have been closely monitoring the situation. Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner [Rebecca] Weiner has been communicating with our partners across all of the agencies involved in the NYPD and partners have already enhanced security,” Adams said.
“We’ve already had enhanced security because of the holiday. And we don’t see any nexus between the incidents there. “. He said attendees can expect to see uniformed officers throughout the parade route.
“We can tell you there are no credible or specific threats to New York City, or to tomorrow’s parade at this time. Our intelligence analysts and our counterterrorism offices have been preparing for this event,” he said.
Other New York City officials included at the Press conference included: Newly Appointed NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, First Deputy Mayor ; Anne Williams-Isom, Zachary Iscol, New York City ,Commissioner New York City Emergency Management Department, New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala, Ydanis Rodriguez, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT), Jeffrey Maddrey , Chief of Department for the New York City Police Department , Daniel Garodnick, Chair of the New York City Planning Commission and many more in attendance.
See More of the Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation Event NYC-2023 in our World Liberty TV, by Clicking here.
NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE BESTOWS HIGHEST HONORS TO CHAMPIONS OF RACIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE AT PRESTIGIOUS ANNUAL EQUAL OPPORTUNITY DAY AWARDS GALA
Celebration to Feature New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Grammy-Nominated Singer-Songwriter Raheem DeVaughn, CBS Mornings Host Vladmir Duthiers, NY1 Political Correspondent Ayana Harry.
The National Urban League honored champions of racial and economic justice at the annual Equal Opportunity Awards Gala, Tuesday Nov. 12, at the New York Marriott Marquis.
“On this day when we commemorate the Gettysburg Address, in the wake of a contentious and divisive Presidential campaign, we recall Abraham Lincoln’s own question: whether a nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal can long endure,”
National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “Each year as we gather to celebrate the achievements of our partners and allies like this year’s outstanding honorees, my faith is strengthened and renewed.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul made remarks, Civic leader and attorney Charles J. Hamilton, Jr., received the League’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
National Urban League Trustees Harry E. Johnson, Jr., President and CEO of The Memorial Foundation, and Comcast Chief Legal Officer Thomas J. Reid were honored with the Charles Collins Distinguished Trustee Award.
“As part of our long-standing commitment to racial justice, equity and inclusion, Diageo is proud to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of the honorees and highlight our important partnership with the National Urban League,”
said Tom Shropshire, Gala Chair and Diagio’s General Counsel and Company Secretary. “The Equal Opportunity Awards Gala is an opportunity to reflect on the progress that African American communities have made toward economic inclusion and social equity.”
The Equal Opportunity Dinner is among the National Urban League’s top fund-raisers for the year.
Each year, the National Urban League marks the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address by honoring stellar corporations, individuals and organizations that have championed the principles of equal opportunity, civil rights, and social justice.
Proceeds from the dinner allow the Urban League Movement to serve nearly four million people annually through its network of 92 affiliates nationwide.
The theme for the evening is “Hollywood Glam,” with a “Black Tie & Sneakers” dress code. Co-hosted by Vladmir Duthiers of CBS Mornings and Ayana Harry of NY1, the event will feature entertainment by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Raheem DeVaughn.
Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League, welcomed the following guests, honorees and board members of National Urban League. Tim Murphy, Chair, National Urban League Board of Trustees, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Charles J. Hamilton, Jr., civic leader, former Senior Counsel, Wendell Marx and former National Urban League Trustee, Harry E. Johnson, Jr., President and CEO of The Memorial Foundation.
Additional guests included: Thomas J. Reid, Comcast Chief Legal Officer, Vladmir Duthiers, Host, CBS Mornings, Ayana Harry, Political Correspondent, NY1, Singer-songwriter Raheem DeVaughn and Friends and Supporters of the National Urban League.
Little over 500 people were in attendance, supporting this great cause, Mr Morial President National Urban League went on to say, We will be moving back to Harlem where everything started, at the National Urban League Development Center ,be housed there as well as an museum , first of his kind.
About New York Urban League: Welcome to the digital home of the New York Urban League. For the past 100 years we’ve worked our hardest to help New Yorkers live the lives they deserve to lead.
From landing living wage jobs with good benefits, to putting our youth on the path to a fruitful educational career, it’s the New York Urban League’s role to strengthen underserved communities, ensuring everybody has a seat at the table.
Whether you’re visiting this site because you want to help, or because you need it, you’re doing your part in amplifying our mission. Help us make sure every community’s collective voice is heard. In partnership and prosperity.
See More in our World Liberty TV, African-American Channels by clicking here.
BY: Adal Hussain, Chief Editor for World Liberty TV, @ 25th St & 5th Ave NYC, Mon Nov 11 th 2024
Honor Ruck, 9/11 Memorial and Museum’s Salute to Service and Wreath-Laying Ceremony, Honoring Service Members that precede over nation’s largest Veterans Day Parade.
On Mon November 11th 2024, beginning 12-30pm, the 105th Annual New York City Veterans Day Parade- the nation’s largest commemoration service, marched up Fifth Ave, from East 25th Street to East 45th Streets in honor of our nations Veterans.
The parade that is produced every year, by the United War Veterans Council (UWVC), is expected to feature nearly 300 marching and vehicle units and welcome 20,000 participants from across America.
Representing every service branch of the military and every era, thousands of veteran’s military members, service organizations and youth cadets participate with marching bands, floats, motorcycles and vintage vehicles adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Ahead of this year’s parade, the UWVC and its partners, hosted a series of ramp-up events.
On Sunday, November 10th, veterans and active military participated in an honor Ruck (fitness march) from the Eternal Light Flagstaff at Madison Square Park to the World Trade Center Reflecting Pools.
The ruck ended with an speaking program, featuring 9/11 Memorial and Museum’s President and CEO, and United States Air Force Veteran Elizabeth L. Hillman, alongside the United States Marines Corps as part of the Museum’s annual salute to service, a tribute that honors those who served in the military , as well as the families and communities that support them.
Right before the parade, the annual wreath laying – ceremony took place, with the wreaths presented by veteran representatives, public officials, foreign allies, and senior military leaders.
Which included: Grand Marshall Dakota Meyer, Honorary Marshalls, Mercedes Elias and John Escalante.
United Veterans War Council, President and Executive director, Mark Otto. Veteran’s and currently serving military personnel.
About Grand Marshal Dakota Meyer: is a former United States Marine. A veteran of the War in Afghanistan, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Ganjgal on September 8, 2009, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan.
Meyer is the second-youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, the third living recipient for either the Iraq War or the War in Afghanistan, and the first living United States Marine in 38 years to be honored.
On November 6, 2010, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James F. Amos, told reporters during a visit to Camp Pendleton, California that a living United States Marine had been nominated for the Medal of Honor. Two days later, Marine Corps Times, an independent newspaper covering Marine Corps operations, reported that the unnamed person was Meyer, citing anonymous sources. CNN confirmed the story independently two days later.
On June 9, 2011, the Marine Corps announced that two other Marines on Meyer’s team in Ganjgal would receive the Navy Cross, the second-highest award for valor a Marine can receive. Capt. Ademola Fabayo and Staff Sgt.
Juan J. Rodriguez-Chavez were recognized for their roles in retrieving the bodies of the fallen Marines and Corpsman. Before Meyer began searching for the missing servicemen on foot, Rodriguez-Chavez drove a gun truck into the kill zone with Fabayo manning the truck’s machine gun.
When President Obama’s staff called Meyer to set up a time for the president to inform him that he would be given the Medal of Honor, they were told Meyer was working at his construction job and were asked to call again during his lunch break. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in a ceremony on September 15, 2011.
When a White House staffer contacted Meyer to arrange the ceremony, Meyer asked if he could have a beer with the president and President Obama agreed to the request.
He received an invitation to the White House to meet Obama in the afternoon before the ceremony. Meyer also requested that when he was honored, simultaneous commemorative services should be held at other associated locations to honor the memory of his colleagues who died or were mortally wounded during the ambush and his rescue attempts.
About United War Veterans Council: The mission of the United War Veterans Council (UWVC) is to honor and serve America’s veterans.
We are dedicated to ensuring that the public always embraces its commitment to provide all veterans and their families with the care, recognition and opportunities they have rightfully earned.
The United War Veterans Council (UWVC) traces its lineage back to groups founded by veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898). These groups continued activities and traditions established by veterans of the Revolution and the War of 1812.
The modern UWVC was revived in 1985 by a group of Vietnam veterans, initially for the purposes of salvaging the New York City Veterans Day Parade, which was on the verge of extinction.
Today, that Parade has grown into the largest Veterans Day event in the nation, drawing tens of thousands of participants and hundreds of thousands of spectators.
Going forward, the UWVC is being led by our latest generation of Iraq, Afghanistan and Post-9/11 veterans.
We are building on past successes by focusing our efforts on our Health and Wellness Programs, and Legacy and Education Initiatives. Our goal is to ensure that the UWVC will continue to honor, support, and serve veterans for years to come.
The UWVC Foundation is the 501 (c) (3) arm of the United War Veterans Council. The Foundation supports UWVC’s initiatives to honor and serve our veterans.
It was a very well attended parade thousands of people in attendance from all over the world, to support veterans and military personnel.
See more in our World Liberty TV, Political channels by clicking here.
