Mike Smith, executive vice president of the Tom Lange Co., based in Springfield, IL, died June 23 following a battle with lung cancer.

Smith began his career with Tom Lange in 1980, joining the company as a financial officer in the Springfield, IL headquarters, following a 13-year career in the banking industry. His strong financial expertise helped give the company credibility within the industry.

ALDI, a discount retail chain based in Batavia, IL, is in the initial stages of discussions to potentially locate a warehouse in Moreno Valley, CA, and is further developing its plans to expand to Southern California.

With more than 1,200 stores across two-thirds of the country, ALDI has grown without merger or acquisition. Over the last several years, ALDI has added an average of 80 new stores each year, which serve more than 25 million customers each month.

Peter Kroner, business development and sales consultant for Eli & Ali’s, a major distributor of organics and high quality conventional produce in Brooklyn, NY, told The Produce News that the company is very excited to announce a new growing partnership that will provide its customers with locally grown, certified-organic products in the Northeast region.

“We are very excited to finally have a Dublin Farms website,” David Hickman, vice president of Dublin Farms Inc. in Horntown, VA, told The Produce News. “It is expected to be up and running by June 15. The site was designed with our customer’s in mind. It will have daily photos of what we’re currently shipping, daily prices and our customers will have the ability to place their orders on the website.”

Edgar (Eddie) Condes, former director of global sourcing and regional sales manager at Eurofresh Farms in Willcox, AZ, joined Greenhouse Produce Co., based in Vero Beach, FL, effective June 15.

In his new role as director of business development, Condes will be located at the Nogales, AZ, office and is responsible for sales, sourcing, channel and product development. His duties also will include assisting ownership in strategically developing the company's growth.

NASCAR superstar Kasey Kahne made a pit stop in Yakima, WA, to join longtime sponsor Sage Fruit for a day dedicated entirely to children.

The day was packed full of activities including a tour of Children's Village, a barbecue meet-and-greet for fans, and a ride along at Yakima Valley Speedway.