From the moment you decide to enter the world of produce, you are being evaluated by someone. The boss, client, company and the customer all have a stake in your performance.

What is that individual’s opinion of you? Perhaps you are one of the brazen souls who believe it does not matter what others think of you. Nothing could be further from the truth. The future of the organization you represent hangs on the spirit you bring to it.

The National Mango Board has appointed Manuel Michel as its new executive director. William Watson will remain active executive director of the NMB until Dec. 31, working side by side with Michel as he becomes integrated into his new role.

WASHINGTON — With the latest changes to federal food-safety regulations due out any day, produce industry representatives will be listening closely to Mike Taylor, food safety chief at the Food & Drug Administration, when he speaks at United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington conference.

Field supervisors continue to anticipate normal volume but an early start for the Wonderful variety pomegranate. This popular variety accounts for more than 80 percent of the pomegranates shipped from California.

As of Sept. 2, orchards from Fresno south were still running a week early, with an anticipated start harvest date in the last week of September.

Rains in late August followed a wonderful growing season for Michigan pumpkins, according to Henry DeBlouw V, president of Mike Pirrone Produce.

On Sept. 2, DeBlouw indicated that the crop continued to “look good,” despite “rain here and there.”

The firm is located in Capac, in southeast Michigan, where it grows pumpkins. Mike Pirrone also ships for independent growers of pumpkins and ornamental pumpkins. DeBlouw expects to ship 450 loads of pumpkin this fall.  

MINNEAPOLIS — The SpartanNash Fall Food Show drew more than 400 attendees to the Convention Center, here, Aug. 27-28. The buying event brought together vendors and suppliers, exhibiting in more than 250 booths, with retail buyers from SpartanNash's six Midwestern distribution centers. Jack Morris, five-time all-star MLB starting pitcher, made a special guest appearance on Aug. 27, signed autographs and posed for pictures with his fans.