Farewell letter from Bob Morrissey

It is hard to believe that 50+ years in the food industry have come to a close, and while it seems just yesterday that I was hired as a bagger & shopping cart kid at a Piggly Wiggly Store in Seekonk, Massachusetts, the years passed by, and here we are today. 
 
Like most kids in America, I had my sports idols (Carl Yazstremski, Bobby Orr, John Havlicek), but that all adjusted somewhat in adulthood when teachers and coaches (i.e., Zig Ziglar, Jack Welch, and Coach Bobby Bowden) provided learning lessons that helped to set a path forward for me.  Add to that my entry almost 25 years ago into agriculture, and I sought the best classroom in the world - the passenger seat of a grower’s truck.  Nothing provided a better MBA/Ph.D. than that seat and the grower driving the truck. 
 
When I first came aboard, the NWA was largely unknown on the national scene and was limited in its capabilities.  I was asked to take the NWA to the next level, and the blank slate we had to work from was very intriguing.  We would be able to create something that could last generationally, and so our adventure began with that vision.  We knew the competition was all around us, even in the association world, and we had to make a strong value statement – we had to create why companies should join the NWA. Our internal mantra helped us …… ‘to make positive differences in the livelihoods of our members.’  We went to work and pursued that mantra to the best of our abilities and capabilities!  Associations exist to seek solutions for our members.  That’s the power (and validation) of the NWA.” 
 
It was not easy, but nothing truly is, while we accomplished great things with the smallest staff among national & regional associations.  But, with an approach that followed the simplicity of the children’s cartoon, Thomas the Train …… ‘We were the little engine that could.’  We did more with less and elevated the NWA to new heights that none had dreamed of.  As a result, the NWA has a solid foundation of programs & services that your new leadership can build upon and change to adapt to our ever-changing world and create a newer, brighter future.  That excites me.        
As Jack Welch once said, “Good business leaders create a vision, articulate that vision, passionately owns that vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.”  I wanted the best for our members and left nothing on the table.  Our Association is in a good place.  Now it is your turn to take what we’ve built to new heights and continue to beat the odds.  The only thing preventing you from doing so is your imagination and willingness to chase dreams, so take risks because the best things are on the other side.  This lil’ engine can climb that hill and the next one too.  Dream Big!    
 
It has been a whirlwind career from the grocery store industry to the premier category management firm to the association world.  With the best staff in the industry, the best partners at the convention, friends that are family, and my best friend (Betsy) supporting me every step of the way, there are not enough words to express my gratitude for this opportunity to serve you all.  It has been a ‘calling to serve’ and a blessing to which Jesus Christ led me.          
 
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.  It has been my honor to serve you.  May the Good Lord bless you all.  Good luck, Farewell, and God Speed! 

A Personal Invitation from our Executive Director

The upcoming national convention will undoubtedly be one to make history for the association, while it includes a change in leadership of the association as a retirement (and transition of leadership) will welcome a new leader that will steer the ship in the future to come. Additionally, it will be a time to celebrate, network, learn, and enjoy many things that the association staff has planned for our attendees.

All of this will lead us to a huge event that I invite you to attend and participate in with hundreds from our watermelon family.  And, it will be an opportunity to shake your hand and say ‘thank you’ for your support across the years, and introduce you to your new association leader.  Please make your plans today and come to Asheville.  The resort is ready; the NWA will be ready; all we need now is for you to make the arrangements to join us.  Here’s to hoping that we will see you next month in North Carolina up on Sunset Mountain.  Thank you.        

The Economic Impact of NWPB

Join the National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) and research partner, Armada Corporate Intelligence, Inc., on February 23rd at 8 a.m., during the National Watermelon Association Convention, to explore the 2017-2021 Econometric Evaluation.  The Econometric Evaluation determines the impact of the NWPB’s activities on the demand for watermelon and the return on investment (ROI) for the industry.
 
The main findings of this study show the watermelon industry continues to receive a high return from the promotion efforts of the NWPB, and these promotion programs have a significant impact on the general economy. Learn more about how advanced modeling techniques look at the supply of watermelon, FOB and retail prices, NWPB budget, and other factors to determine the value the NWPB provides its stakeholders. Additionally, Armada will share current economic conditions and how it will affect the industry moving forward.
 
Can’t make the live presentation? Please mark your calendars to join the virtual presentation on March 29nd at 1 p.m. eastern. You can register for the virtual event here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fFdpme8hSp2u16W-wQrsEA or scan the QR code.

NEW AEWR for 2023 Released

The U.S. Department of Labor released their annual survey of Adverse Effect Wage Rates, otherwise referred to as AEWRs, on the eve of Thanksgiving Day.  While we did anticipate rate increases across the board, nothing led us to even imagine what this new reality brings forth.  The national average (increase in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate) for H-2A workers is a whopping 6.81% increase over last year, with all major watermelon producing areas hammered with significant increases.  The released numbers will become the AEWRs for 2023 (under the current methodology) when they are published by DOL in the Federal Register.  The attached spreadsheet shows the 2021 and 2022 average wage, field and livestock workers, combined ….… and the new numbers for the 2023 AEWRs.  It also shows the percent increase by state or region of the country.   

The national average (increase in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate) for H-2A workers is a whopping 6.81% increase over last year, with all major watermelon producing areas hammered with significant increases.  The released numbers will become the AEWRs for 2023 (under the current methodology) when they are published by DOL in the Federal Register.  The attached spreadsheet shows the 2021 and 2022 average wage, field and livestock workers, combined ….… and the new numbers for the 2023 AEWRs.  It also shows the percent increase by state or region of the country.   
 
This survey is used by DOL to determine the 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR), which as you know are wages that must be paid to H-2A workers in the U.S.  And, also paid to domestic workers if you are a H-2A employer.  The AEWR is determined by a formula developed by DOL, who claim it to be developed to protect the domestic workforce from having their wages depressed by foreign agricultural workers.  The results, as we all know, are far different, and they result in increased wages across the entirety of the system. 
 
Many feel this data and the formula that DOL uses is inappropriate and does not rely on true wage cost for those who use the H-2A program.  As a result of this survey and using the DOL wage formula, we anticipate the national AEWR will be $16.62.  Across the country, individual state AEWR’s will range from between $13.67 to a high of $18.65 in California.  The highest single increase on a percentage basis will be in Florida, where the AEWR increased by almost 15.5%.
 
While we expect the DOL’s proposed rule (new methodology) to be released very soon, it is expected to also increase wages with different job classes broken out, as well as other anticipated changes.  When the proposed rule will be released, or take effect, is yet unknown.  Until then, we are ‘stuck’ with this rate schedule from DOL.
 
We have heard so much rhetoric from our elected officials about the rising cost of food and inflation taking off, but yet they continue to politicize the ‘idea’ of immigration reform while we remain with a dire need of and access to a viable, legal and affordable workforce.  Something has to give - - something positive for a change - - and soon.  It just must.

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