The Eastern Produce Council and PRODUCE BUSINESS magazine present an exciting world-class event for the industry. The four-day event includes networking opportunities, a one-day trade show of over 400 companies, retail “thought-leader” breakfast panel hosted by Perishable Pundit Jim Prevor, educational micro-sessions and tours of the region’s vibrant industry, including local retailers, wholesalers, foodservice distributors, urban farms and unique eateries.
The program also includes an outreach to students and faculty at regional universities as well as distinguished culinary schools, plus the “Connect with Fresh” media immersion, luncheon and show tour involving influential bloggers, consumer editors and those working with all forms of social media.
I have covered the New York Produce Show, from day one since it made its debut approxemently 13 years ago. I met Jim Prevor , Founder of the New York Produce Show. As I attended my first show and as I engaged in conversation with Jim, I asked him many questions about produce around the world. He would take time and answer my questions, this was unusually done between breaks, at cocktail hour, at the media luncheon. Jim was always on the move. Moderating a panel, introducing the next speaker.
I remember one time, Jim had to get up and speak about a topic, about produce from South America, because one of the speakers was not able to attend. So Jim took the Bull by the Horn and tackled the topic his self. He spoke so elegantly, with facts, and had everyone’s attention while he spoke, during the Q&A, he answered each question with ease.
I asked Jim, during luncheon, after the panel, how were you able to do that. He went on to tell me that his family was involved in the Produce Business for many years, in the Hunters Point Market in the Bronx, when he got out of college he got involved in the family business and was given a position as an international sales person. Selling Produce to the World. He went on to say he travelled all over the world, met some of the most brilliant minds in this profession, he went on to say, he made notes and remembered so many things in his mind.
Hence forward I developed a great friendship with Jim, for many years he would enjoy all my articles and videos which I would send him to view. He would reply many times thanking me for the coverage. He had me attend almost every event and opened doors for me by introducing me to many great people in the industry.
As I hold my tears back, while writing this next sentence. Jim Prevor passed away on November 7th 2022, at age 61. A breakfast tribute took place to honor his legacy with a video tribute, his business partner for over Thirty years Ken Whitacre, Publisher of Produce Business, had tears rolling down his eyes as he saw the tribute on video.
Let me just say this, Jim was a walking genius who was vastly knowledgeable, had such a wonderful personality. Down to earth person you can ever know. I am proud to call him a friend, he will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Thank you Jim for your wisdom, friendship to me over the 13 years I have known you, Rest in Peace. We will eventually all join you. All I ask you is having a table of Fruits and produce ready to welcome us, so we can continue our conversations forever, dear friend.
The New York Produce Show 2022, broke every record, with attendance doubling on the show floor, I have not seen so many people in attendance, over the years I have attended. I plan on attending and showcasing Jim’s organization for many years to come.
See Many videos and blogs of Jim Prevor in our World Liberty TV, Food Channels by Clicking here.
See New York Produce Show 2022, in our World Liberty TV, Food Channels and Blogs by clicking here.
Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson, announces James Bermingham’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.Bermingham joins the Virgin Hotels executive team following nearly two decades with Montage
International. He will be responsible for delivering the company’s exciting global growth pipeline, multi-award-winning customer experience, and unique culture.”We are thrilled to welcome James into the Virgin Hotels family,” says Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group.
“For over a decade, we have been devoted to providing entertaining and unforgettable experiences for our guests, and I can think of no one better than James to spearhead this effort as we continue to grow the brand on a global scale.”
Bringing more than 35 years of industry experience to the position, Bermingham began his hospitality career in his hometown of Dublin, followed by ten years in London, including executive roles with ITT Sheraton Corporation. His career then led him to the United States, where he held prestigious General Manager roles at the St. Regis Hotel in Houston and the Montage Laguna Beach. Since 2008, he served as ExecutiveVice President, Operations for Montage International, where he oversaw all aspects of operations for the Montage and Pendry Hotel brands seven hotels and resorts, including owner relations, culture development, and sales and marketing.
“I have long admired Virgin Hotels’ ability to seamlessly blend smart and innovative design with elevated service and – maybe most importantly – fun,” said Bermingham. “Watching the brand grow into itself as a reliable haven for both leisure and business travelers without sacrificing its inherent ‘cool factor’ has been exciting, to say the least, and I’m really looking forward to joining such a dynamic team.”
Bermingham assumes his new role as Virgin Hotels, founded in 2010, experiences its most robust growth to date. In 2021, the brand plans for three coast-to-coast openings in Las Vegas, New Orleans, and New York City while already operating hotels in Chicago, Dallas, and Nashville. Properties in Miami and Edinburgh are also in development, with additional opportunities being pursued in Philadelphia, Glasgow, Cannes, and Ibiza.
“James’ appointment comes at an exciting time of accelerating growth for us,” said Peter Norris, Chairman of Virgin Hotels. “His decades of industry experience and acute global expertise will be a true asset for the brand as we push to expand our footprint both domestically and internationally.”
We had a pleasure of interviewing James Bermingham CEO Virgin Hotels, at the America Hotel Owners Charitable Association Annual Gala -2022, headed by Chairman John Lam, who will be managing The Virgin Hotel in New York City, which will be opening in December 2022, later this year.
See Exclusive interview with James Bermingham CEO Virgin Hotels, in our World Liberty TV, Business Channels and blogs by clicking here.
The America China Hotel Association Corp. aims to strengthen the greatness of Chinese hotels by: seeking equality for owners, improving the quality of management within the industry, building the overseas hotel booking service, and helping to brand the hotels.
The America Hotel Association Corp is working with the reputable Manhattan law firm fordoing an annual real estate tax appeal. The fee is only 10% on the amount being successfully reduced. It is much lower than regular fee, which is usually charged 15% to 25%. Finishing touches are wrapping up on the Virgin Hotel, a 38-story tower at 1225 Broadway in NoMad. Designed by Stantec and developed by Lam Group, the 476-foot-tall structure will yield 300,000 square feet with 460 rooms managed by .
Lam Group is regarded as one of the most preeminent investors and developers in New York City through its real estate investment, acquisition and development history. Lam Group’s portfolio consists of over 50 development projects with an additional 9 hotels underway. The majority of the hotels are located in Manhattan, the nation’s top rated and most coveted real estate investment market.
Lam Group is one of the pioneering forces in the growth of hotel businesses throughout New York City. Developments have been built in areas such as SoHo, Chelsea, Midtown and Downtown Brooklyn. Lam Group will be one of the major forces in reshaping the NoMad neighborhood.
Lam Group’s core principles of creating value and remaining discipline will continue to define the strength of New York City’s hotel industry and economy.
See exclusive interview with Mr. John Lam, Chairman of the Lam Group and exclusive, coverage of the American Hotel Owners Charitable Association Annual Gala, in our World Liberty TV, Business Channels and blogs by clicking here.
