When Alisa Gmelich was interviewing for the job of chief marketing officer at Sprouts Farmers Market, she focused on what she believed is the key to marketing success: understanding the needs of customers and meeting those needs to drive behavior. This is what drives traffic. 

“Traffic is the best indicator of marketing success,” she said.

Today, Southeastern Grocers officially became The Winn-Dixie Co., uniting the organization and its stores under one name. As part of this transformation, the company is also introducing a refreshed Winn-Dixie brand, designed to feel more modern, confident and connected to the way families shop today.

The NC Sweetpotato Commission recently held its annual meeting in Goldsboro, NC, and honored Craig Yencho with its 2026 Distinguished Service Award. The commission also elected a new slate of officers. 

Through his extensive work in agricultural research, Yencho has contributed invaluable knowledge to sweetpotato growers across the state. Whether it’s through developing new cultivation techniques, improving pest management practices or innovating new varieties, the efforts have significantly boosted both the quality and quantity of sweetpotatoes produced in North Carolina.

The television set of their dreams will come to life for three fortunate winners in the 2026 Idaho Potato Lovers Display Contest sweepstakes, who will be able to select any TV up to a $3,500 value as the grand prize.

To Sprouts Farmers Market Chief Supply Officer Joe Hurley the tremendous growth plans of the chain are what makes his job exciting. 

“That’s the fun part of store growth,” he said, likening it to a puzzle.

Amanda Solliday will join the American Floral Endowment as senior manager of Sustainabloom in January 2026.

A doctoral candidate at North Carolina State University, Solliday has supported AFE’s Sustainabloom program as a member of the research team working with Drs. Melinda Knuth and Brian Jackson. Through that collaboration, she has helped advance AFE’s goal of building a trusted sustainability education and resource program for the floriculture industry.