Growing & Giving 2010 Inaugural Event a Success!
More than $18,000 Donated to Support Youth

[SOQUEL, CA - August 11, 2010] –Consumers are increasingly looking to spend their dollars with companies who are connected to social causes. In answer to this growing trend, McDill Associates developed Growing & Giving 2010. The event was hosted at the Tanimura & Antle Headquarters in Spreckels, California on July 29th at the start of the Produce Marketing Association’s Foodservice Conference & Exposition in Monterey, California.

More than 350 people attended; a group which included foodservice buyers including Sysco and US Foodservice, as well as executives from leading grower/shippers. Salinas Mayor, Dennis Donahue was also in attendance.

“We’re thrilled with the success of Growing & Giving 2010 and look forward to sponsoring next year. It makes perfect sense to create an industry event where co-sponsors can showcase their products while networking and raising money for worthwhile organizations,” recapped Rick Antle, CEO of Tanimura & Antle.

Youth-focused non-profits, the Produce Marketing Association's Foundation for Industry Talent (PMA FIT), Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Support Services and Rancho Cielo Youth Campus, were the event's beneficiaries receiving over $18,000.

“Growing & Giving gave us an opportunity to tap into two of our passions, putting together successful industry events and giving back to our community,” said Melissa McDill, McDill Associates CEO.

Growing & Giving 2010 provided a forum for companies attending PMA’s Foodservice Produce Expo in Monterey to network with their clients and prospects, while directly supporting organizations that provide meaningful services to members of the agricultural community.

Companies interested in sponsorship of next year’s Growing & Giving event should contact McDill Associates at (831) 462-3198 or email growingandgiving@mcdill.com

About McDill Associates
After more than 30 years in business, strategic marketing and design firm McDill Associates continues to prove itself with powerful results and national recognition. Specializing in produce, beverage and consumer packaged goods, the agency has earned more than 100 coveted industry awards including American Packaging Design awards, International Davey awards, Produce Business Marketing Excellence awards, the Food Marketing Institute Top 10 New Products recognition, and several American Advertising Federations local, regional and national ADDY awards. For more information please visit www.mcdill.com and www.organicbymcdill.com

About PMA FIT
The PMA Foundation for Industry Talent attracts, develops and retains talent for the produce community and its value chain. Their vision is to be recognized as the premier resource for talent that sustains a vibrant global produce and floral industry. For more information please visit www.pmafit.com

About Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Support Services
Serving Monterey, San Benito, South Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties, their mission is to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and to support their families in the challenges they face. For more information please visit www.jacobsheart.org

About Rancho Cielo Youth Campus
Rancho Cielo is a 100-acre ranch in the foothills of Salinas, with an educational component, vocational training, and recreation for at-risk youth and first-time youth offenders giving them an opportunity to redirect their lives. Mission: To partner with our community to provide a safe campus to deliver programs and services that inspire at-risk youth to learn new skills, gain self-esteem and confidence. For more information please visit www.ranchocieloyc.org

Post Office Box 100 • Soquel, California 95073
P: 831.462.3198 • F: 831.462.1050 • www.mcdill.com