The Washington State Fruit Commission (WSFC) is seeking a Domestic Agricultural Representative (DAR) to serve the Mid-Atlantic region. The DAR will support the WSFC/Northwest Cherries marketing and promotional programs by utilizing both established and innovative methods to build consumer awareness and drive demand for Northwest fresh sweet cherries within the region. The WSFC’s goal is to aggressively expand the market each year through strategic promotional activities. The WSFC Domestic Agricultural Representative (DAR) requirements are as follows: The awarded DAR must be located in the Mid-Atlantic region and/or willing to travel to cover said region. Work with WSFC officials on plans and programs within the budget on activities in all merchandising and promotion areas. Contact headquarters of retail grocery chains, wholesalers, distributors, institutional or food service distributors and organizations, food editors, and others in position to influence promotional and marketing activities for WSFC. Assist WSFC and industry salespeople when they visit the market. This includes setting up meetings and any other needs of the WSFC. Endeavor to induce third-party cooperation of related food products and joint promotional efforts to broaden WSFC efforts and reduce costs. Develop and perform trade and market promotional efforts on behalf of the WSFC. Work with local media in developing positive publicity opportunities for the WSFC. Monitor the approved promotional programs inaugurated to ensure adequate and complete implementation as agreed by WSFC. Report weekly from May until the end of September and then as conditions change during other times of the year. The reports will all include market conditions; all-merchandising and promotion-related activities updates and any access issues that may need immediate attention. The contracting party agrees to provide the WSFC with a thorough evaluation of the overall effectiveness of the program for the period undertaken, highlighting those activities that prove to be most effective and offering suggestions to mitigate those areas not effective. Submit to the WSFC by October 15th of each year, a compilation report of the Northwest cherry season encompassing all activities, observations, market issues, packaging suggestions, market dynamics, category leaders, and potential political problems.
