NATIONAL WATERMELON ASSOCIATION, INC.
LAKELAND, FLORIDA

The National Watermelon Association, Inc. (NWA), headquartered in Lakeland, Florida, is a prominent commodity promotion organization dedicated to advancing the watermelon industry in the United States and making a positive difference for its members' businesses and lives. Formed under the previous name of NATIONAL WATERMELON GROWERS & DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION in 1967, NWA operates under the oversight of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with adherence to the Watermelon Research and Promotion Act established by Congress in 1995. NWA’s governance is conducted by its Executive Committee, which acts as the organization's governing body. This committee is elected annually by the membership and convenes twice a year during fall meetings and national conventions. The National Watermelon Promotional Board (NWPB), funded solely through industry shares without taxpayer or government funds, functions under the supervision of NWA. It consists of 36 directors appointed by both its members and the US Secretary of Agriculture to strategically guide resource allocation and operations across all U.S watermelon production regions. The association maintains a strong commitment to providing fact-based information and operating with fiscal responsibility in support of watermelon producers, processors, handlers, importers, among others. NWA's mission is reinforced by active participation from industry stakeholders aiming to influence necessary agricultural policies and practices through engagement with federal entities. For further details on differentiating between the National Watermelon Association and the NWPB and their roles within the watermelon industry, potential members or interested parties can explore [nationalwatermelonassociation.com]. The current leadership team includes Executive Director George Szczepanski, Chair Hamilton Dicks, and President Robert Gibson. Contact information can be found at the company's mailing address in Lakeland, FL: 190 Fitzgerald Road, SUITE 3, with phone numbers (863) 619-7575; (863) 619-7577.