What to Do in Case of a Crisis
The NWPB crisis communications plan is in place to assist staff and the industry in being prepared to address a crisis the watermelon industry may face. The plan has a number of resources that have been put in place to ensure that the industry is prepared. Priority-issue positions and messages have been developed, and a crisis team has been designated that includes industry members, staff, and third-party experts, along with contact databases that have been created for key industry members, media and third-party resources. NWPB conducts crisis communications training for its staff and board members, and audits its crisis plan annually to ensure that it is consistent with technology and trends.
Remember: Watermelon has never been the source of a food borne illness outbreak, and our growers are committed to the highest level of food safety.
If a crisis should arise, please contact the following people immediately:
- Mark Arney – National Watermelon Promotion Board - 1 (407) 312-9792 marney@watermelon.org
- Stephanie Barlow – National Watermelon Promotion Board - 1 (321) 278-5580 sbarlow@watermelon.org
- George Szczepanski – National Watermelon Association - 1 (863) 937-8418 george@nwawatermelon.com