The third annual WFLO Institute Latin America concluded with a graduation ceremony for students who completed this three-year training program for temperature-controlled warehouse operators. Over 30 students took part in this year’s program, which is hosted annually by the World Food Logistics Organization (WFLO) – a core partner of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA). The 3^rd WFLO Institute Latin America took place 11-13 July 2016 in Panama City, Panama.

Graduates from the 3rd WFLO Institute Latin America (From left to right, Salvador Figueroa, Almatrans - Dominican Republic; Elvis Quezada, Almatrans - Dominican Republic; Corey Rosenbusch, WFLO-Global Cold Chain Alliance; Juan Carlos Hencker, Refrisistemas - Costa Rica; Raul Hernandez, Precisa Frozen Ltda. - Chile)

“Providing quality training for individuals responsible for operating temperature-controlled facilities is what the Institute is all about,” said Debbie Corado, Director – GCCA Latin America. “It is critical to the success and growth of our industry - which is why I’m so excited to recognize the first round of students graduating from the program.”

The only training specifically designed for the temperature-controlled industry in Latin America, the WFLO Institute Latin America curriculum takes students through the food industry, the supply chain, and the fields of logistics and cold storage. More than 30 classes taught by leading industry experts provide students with a comprehensive educational experience through six modules: food security, warehouse operations, employee safety, cold chain management, customer relationships, and professional/personal development. Students also have the opportunity to tour a logistics facility, center, or port as part of the program. The WFLO Institute Latin America launched in 2014.

“I am very pleased to be a graduate of this program,” said recent graduate Raúl Hernández, CEO, Precisa Frozen Ltda. “In my more than 30 years of experience in the industry, I haven never seen a course that facilities an exchange of knowledge - not only from the professional instructors but also from the students. Through networking, we not only learned but we made great friends, representing a very enriching personal experience. I have also sent more than six members of my staff to the course and what they have learned has been very valuable for the company.”

The 2017 WFLO Institute Latin America dates will be announced in the coming months. In the meantime, please find more information on GCCA Latin America activities here.

Photo #1 CAPTION:  Graduates from the 3^rd WFLO Institute Latin America (From left to right, Salvador Figueroa, Almatrans - Dominican Republic; Elvis Quezada, Almatrans - Dominican Republic; Corey Rosenbusch, WFLO-Global Cold Chain Alliance; Juan Carlos Hencker, Refrisistemas - Costa Rica; Raul Hernandez, Precisa Frozen Ltda. - Chile)

Photo #2 CAPTION: Graduates from the 3^rd WFLO Institute Latin America pose with Debbie Corado, Director – GCCA Latin America (third from left).