Mastronardi Produce, a fourth-generation family-owned business, has been recognized for leadership in career development. At an awards ceremony held on Wednesday, the company received this year's Business Excellence Award for Investing in a World-Class Workforce. The award from the Chamber of Commerce in Leamington recognizes a business that leads the way in preparing employees for the future by investing in skills development and training, providing career growth opportunities, and modeling lifelong learning.
"We want our team members to see this as a place where they can grow, build lifelong careers, and make a difference," said Paul Mastronardi, president and CEO of Mastronardi Produce. "Our talented team has brought us to where we are today, and we are proud to support employee growth in any way we can."
Mastronardi Produce started as a family business in the 1940s under Umberto Mastronardi. In the last 25 years, the company has seen tremendous growth in its workforce, from a handful of employees in Kingsville, Ontario, to more than 3,000 employees in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Holland — what the company affectionately calls its "Flavor Nation" family.
Left to right: Paul Mastronardi, Wendy Parsons.
Team members at the company are encouraged to pursue professional development programs paid for by the company, which advance their skills and knowledge in fresh produce. Many employees also take advantage of a tuition reimbursement program for post-graduate education, covering up to 50 percent of academic course fees. In support of local communities, the company engages its employees in multiple fundraisers, fresh produce donations, races, and more under an employee engagement program.
"In a world that is constantly evolving, where challenges are met with resilience and opportunities are turned into success stories, Mastronardi Produce has demonstrated exceptional talent," said Wendy Parsons, general manager of the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce. "Your business is a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and perseverance."
Earlier this year, Mastronardi Produce was recognized as one of Canada's best-managed companies for the 14th year in a row and called on North Americans to join its "Flavor Revolution". Working at state-of-the-art greenhouses, offices, and distribution centers, its teams have earned international awards for flavor, quality, and innovation.
For more information:
Audra Macintyre
Mastronardi Produce
Tel.: +1 (519) 326-3218
[email protected]
www.sunsetgrown.com