Learnings from a Year of Challenges and Blessings

The year 2020 will not become a distant memory for generations to come, as it challenged us all in different ways and changed everything that we know and enjoy without exception.  COVID-19 was and is one for the record and history books (that is, if they still exist).  However, even with the disruptions, challenges, tests, quarantines, restrictions and all else, we were blessed and got through it.  Thanks be to God!

  

How the NWA addressed the situation was quite necessary, and although stressful, it was rather simple .….. remain calm, be a voice of reason, and communicate – communicate – communicate.  With no guidebook or map to follow, we took the lead and sought after information and guidance that would help you to get the job done.  It was  the biggest challenge that we have ever experienced before.  Communications were ramped up and became a reliable cornerstone of the NWA.  Our daily outlook was to do our best, work hard, and hope that it was enough.
 
The NWA took the responsibility to shepherd the association through an extraordinary period filled with challenges, threats, untimely changes and opportunity.  We represented you (our members) to the best of our abilities, and tried to give back more than we have been given.  I like the expression that John Maxwell shared a few months ago:


We will for sure remember all that was the year 2020, and move forward into the unknown of 2021.  With your continued support, we will continue to do what we do for you every day.  The quote from an unknown author says it all ……. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for.”  I have a deep faith in the NWA and its stakeholders, and we will come back strong. 

Thank you for all that you do for your association, the National Watermelon Association.  And remember, we are called to serve, and we are honored to do so.  Stay safe, and may the Good Lord Bless You and Your Family!   
 

Networking with other Members

One of the many benefits of your membership with the National Watermelon Association is the ability to connect and network with other members.  If you are not a natural extrovert or you do not have an outgoing personality - networking can lead one to feel anxious and sometimes cause unneeded stress.  But whether we realize it or not, we are all networking/ connecting with others every day.  It can happen while you are ordering your favorite coffee, participating in sports, attending conferences, buying your groceries, etc.  Just in our simple conversations with others, we can be networking.  But it does not have to happen just in person, it can happen while you are online – via different social apps, and websites that you visit daily/weekly.  Businesses are built around relationships, and relationships can start from networking.

Our member directory allows you the ability to network with others that have a vested interest in watermelons.  Whether you are a grower, a shipper, or a supplier for watermelons, connecting with others in the industry can be vital for your company.  Our directory allows you the ability to look for mentor-ship, assistance, or simply support from someone else.  The next time you are on our website whether it is utilizing the directory, or simply reading an article; please take some time to verify your profile and information.  If there are any issues, please let us know.  We will get them corrected as quickly as possible.  This helps to maintain a more accurate database for you.  We have been updating a few things to help with your searches/ connections of others. One of those updates has been your company logos.   If you notice that yours is not there or it is an out of date logo and you would like to update/ change/ add it;  please send your logo to [email protected].  Mark the subject email as “logo update for website”.  You can include any corrections that need to be changed as well.  As always, if you have experienced any issues or have concerns regarding your membership, logging into your account, etc.  please let us know. 
Not yet a member?  You are missing out on networking opportunities!  Go to the Membership tab at the top of our website, click on Membership Application, join today and start networking!

Together we will shape the watermelon industry for future generations!

Thank you NWA!

"I am a member and supporter of the NWA because as issues in the industry arise my one voice rarely will be heard but the voice of a group will have a greater impact.  Being on the farming side of this industry I am not always current on the latest issues affecting us (labor, trucking, corona virus, diseases, etc.) so the updates from NWA can make us aware of what is ahead of us during our season.  I value the information and combined voices that hopefully can make a positive difference."

                - Mark Collins, DMC Farms, Laurel, Delaware

“Will there be watermelons for summer?”

This question was posed just last month while amid our country’s shut down.  This young girl had been watching the news and hearing about farmers plowing over their crops.  She lives up north and her concern was simple – she just wanted to make sure she would be able to enjoy watermelon this summer, as she has for the past 10+ years of her life.  To her summer and watermelon go hand in hand.  It would not be summer to her, without having watermelons to enjoy. 
Just like her, our association does not exist without you, our members.  We strive every week to serve and partner with you, our members, from the farm to the table.  We are dedicated to making a positive difference in the business and lives of our Watermelon Family.  We work on your behalf by being your voice on issues of trade, labor, invasive pest and disease, pesticide and nutrient use, federal legislation, scientific research, farm & packer-based food safety, trucking, etc.    We support the industry’s research needs through scientific grants to numerous universities and other organizations each year with a keen focus on the highest research priorities.  We are a supportive force on promotional activities through the National Watermelon Queen program.  This year’s queen – Paige Huntington from Texas has been able to be out in some of the fields and packing houses, and well as some greenhouses.  She is a trained spokesperson for the association and the watermelon industry!  As we continue to be a voice for you in Washington, and bring you the most up to date information that we can, if you have experienced any issues with your emails, struggling with your access to anything on our website, etc., please reach out to our office at (863) 619-7575.  We want to make sure you – our members – are getting the information you want and need as quickly as possible.  Not yet a member?  You are missing out on so much!  Go to the Membership tab at the top of our website, click on Membership Application and join today!