Sep 16, 2010 9:09 AM

The United Fresh Foundation Center for Leadership Excellence has named the four recipients of the 2010 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarships.

This year’s recipients are: Kiley Harper-Larsen, Hugh Branch Inc, Pahokee FL; Chelsea McClarty, HMC Farms, Kingsburg CA; Ben Rice, Rice Fruit Company, Gardners PA; and Mark Stevenson, Meijer, Grand Rapids MI.

The scholarship program, which provides the opportunity for employees of family-owned businesses to attend the annual United Fresh Washington Public Policy Conference, is now in its tenth year. Each scholarship recipient receives complimentary airfare, hotel, and registration to attend the conference.

Applications for the program were solicited earlier in summer 2010 and reviewed by the scholarship advisory committee. Winners were selected based on a number of criteria such as interest in advocacy work, passion and commitment, and overall quality of the application.

The scholarship program is made possible through a grant from Frieda’s Inc to the United Fresh Foundation. The program was founded in 2001 by Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins to expand opportunities for representatives from family businesses to attend the Washington Public Policy Conference and help make a positive difference for the produce industry. The foundation accepts new applications for the program each summer.

For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or contact United Fresh at 202-303-3400.