The aromas of sweet apple cider and pumpkin pie filling the air are certainly clues that the autumn season is once again upon us. The atmosphere is also filled with excitement for another annual Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit convention. This means meetings, workshops, speakers, networking, fellowship and exhibitor booths.

I wrote several articles regarding retailers and wholesalers attending the PMA Fresh Summit. The intent was to pass along tips and suggestions to make the trip worthwhile by taking something of value back to a company.

WEATHER

Daytime highs in Salinas, CA, were expected to be in the mid- to upper 70s through Oct. 14 before dipping into the upper 60s through Oct. 18. Overnight lows were expected to be in the mid- to low 50s. A high-pressure system is in place over California’s Central Coast and should keep rain away at least through Oct. 18.

WASHINGTON -- After years of delays, the Senate moved quickly Oct. 12 to approve free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia, sending the measures to President Obama for his signature.

Just hours after the measures passed the House, the Senate voted late in the evening to approve the South Korea trade pact (83-15), Panama accord (77-22) and Colombia agreement (66-33). News that Congress passed a South Korea trade agreement comes as South Korea President Lee Myung-bak is visiting the White House and addressing Congress Oct. 13.

Omar Abu Ghazaleh

FRESNO, CA — Omar Abu Ghazaleh, formerly a manager at Pacific Trellis Fruit LLC in Reedley, CA, has foun

Gabriela and Carmela D’Arrigo taking in a baseball game at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY.

Neither Carmela D’Arrigo, 29,

Mamamia Produce LLC found value in last year’s inaugural New York Produce Show & Conference, during which it strengthened existing client relationships. But the company would like to build new relationships at the show as well.