Decades of Blueberry Action

United States Highbush Blueberry Council

RESOLUTION:

In recognition of profound appreciation of distinguished service by Thomas J. Payne Market Development Duly Passed on January 21, 2021.

In recognition and profound appreciation of distinguished service by Thomas J. Payne Market Development, a marketing consulting firm that helps suppliers of ingredients, equipment and processes discover and develop customers in the dairy, baking, confectionery and other industries.

Whereas: Thomas J. Payne and team at Thomas J Payne Market Development, has provided outstanding service and guidance to the highbush  since 1988, first in service to the North American Blueberry Council.

Whereas: Thomas J. Payne inspired a contagious enthusiasm and  excitement among blueberry growers to embrace the potential to increase global consumption of blueberries;

Whereas: Thomas J. Payne encouraged the highbush blueberry industry to pursue market development opportunities outside of fresh and frozen markets, and develop processed blueberry ingredients for use in the food manufacturing sector;

Whereas: Thomas J. Payne has always been mindful of the interests of highbush blueberry industry and has worked diligently to develop markets for processed blueberry ingredients;

Whereas: Thomas J. Payne formed a team of international food technologists to develop new applications for processed blueberry ingredients and promote them at trade shows and conferences all over the world;

Whereas: Thomas J. Payne successfully assisted the highbush blueberry industry in efforts to secure market access to Japan, China, India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Myanmar for fresh highbush blueberries;

Whereas: Thomas J. Payne assessed the feasibility of developing markets for processed blueberry ingredients in emerging markets such as South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, South Africa, India and Myanmar;

Whereas: Thomas J. Payne secured trade leads with processed blueberry buyers throughout North and South America, Asia and the Middle East; 

Whereas: Thomas J. Payne distributed samples of processed blueberry ingredients  to India, China, Colombia and Russia, among others, to encourage new product development in thefood manufacturing sector;

Be it resolved that the United States Highbush Blueberry Council formally acknowledges and extends its profound appreciation and gratitude to Thomas J. Payne for his many years of service to the council and friendship to the highbush blueberry industry.  

Chris Barnhill, USHBC Chair