Background: The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) was created in 1942 by a group of industry leaders who shared a vision to expand the Texas produce industry. Realizing that by working together as a group they would be able to reap greater benefits, they formed TIPA to represent the interest of shippers of Texas-grown fruits and vegetables. In 1996, in response to the evolving needs of the members, the scope of TIPA was expanded to address the problems and opportunities surrounding the importation and marketing of foreign grown produce. That same year, two divisions were created - the Shipper Division and the International Trade Division. In 1998, it was the census that an organized, generic promotional and advertising program was essential to the economic future of the industry. The citrus segment of the association’s membership had an established, well-funded advocate in TexaSweet Citrus Marketing, Inc., which continues to represent the industry to this day. Who belongs to TIPA: TIPA's member companies include: growers, domestic shippers, import shippers, specialty shippers, distributors, and material and service providers. Board of Directors: Each year, a 17-19 member board of directors is elected by the association's membership. The board is comprised of members from varying geographic areas in Texas; as well as, members from each of the different membership categories. The board's primary responsibility is to establish priorities and goals for the association. Staff: TIPA has a professional staff with over 60 years of combined experience in the produce industry. Staff members serve on a variety of state and national committees, councils, and coalitions.