Just about everyone in the produce industry gives from the depths of their hearts when it comes to natural or man-caused emergencies and in helping organizations to raise money or collect food to help those in need.

For the third consecutive year, Kevin Bartolotta, president of Bartolotta Inc. in Torrington, CT, is stepping up for those in need and is holding his annual fundraiser, which began Feb. 10.

Winter strawberries out of Southern California are normally an up-and-down, on-again-off-again proposition. There is generally some moderate production from mid-December through February before volume starts to build for the more reliable spring deal. But growers expect that there will ordinarily be some cold spells that slow down production and rain that disrupts the harvest from time to time during that period.

Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets, a new specialty grocer featuring healthy and organic value-priced offerings, announced the Midwest chain will open over 60 new stores and create approximately 5,000 new jobs throughout the Midwest over the next five years.

The company’s first market will open in Mt. Prospect, IL, this spring, followed by eight more grand openings throughout the remainder of this year.

Produce for Kids, a philanthropically based organization that raises funds for local children’s non-profit organizations and brings the produce industry together to educate consumers about healthy eating with fresh produce, has named Amanda Keefer as its new director of marketing communications.

The Produce Marketing Association Foundation for Industry Talent has recently announced the third annual Tip Murphy Scholarship for Leadership Excellence recipients for 2013. Tony Harmon of Nathel International and Juliette King of Nielsen Perishables Group were selected by the PMA Foundation and the Scholarship Selection Committee. The scholarship is part of the PMA Foundation’s initiative to establish a workforce with the diverse skills necessary to meet the complex demands of business.

Ayco Farms has hired Dale Chase as executive vice president of sales and marketing with the objective of transforming the company’s current retail dynamic and diversifying retail sales and foodservice programs.

Chase is tasked with leading and directing the sales department in an effort to enhance buyer relations, strengthen category management support and expand business solutions.