LAS VEGAS, NV -- An increased number of educational programs, a night of industry luminaries and a groundbreaking webcast from the trade show floor sent United Fresh 2010 out with a bang Friday, April 23.

With educational and development programs focused on each of the association's four market segment boards, the United Fresh Produce Association's annual convention and expo offered attendees more opportunities for business development.

A produce industry program is underway to help rebuild schools damaged in the devastating earthquake that struck the principal Chilean fruit growing regions Feb. 27.

The board of the Chilean Exporters Association, based in Santiago, Chile, announced April 16 that it had selected two agricultural schools that sustained substantial damage for the initial repair effort. The institutions are the Escuela Agrícola Cristo Obrero in Graneros, which is south of Santiago, and Escuela Agrícola San Vicente de Paul, located in Chile's Coltauco area.

For more than 50 years, Gilroy, CA-based Christopher Ranch has been a leader in agricultural production, product innovation and earth-friendly environmental practices. In keeping with that proud tradition, Christopher Ranch has introduced its new "green" foodservice pack in three- and five- pound sizes.

LAS VEGAS, NV -- Leaders in the fields of school nutrition and food safety kept the momentum of United Fresh 2010 going Wednesday, April 21. The annual convention and expo of the United Fresh Produce Association featured keynote addresses by officials from the New York City Department of Education and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

LAS VEGAS, NV -- At the annual Reception Honoring Women in Produce held here Wednesday, April 21, in connection with the United Fresh Produce Association's 2010 convention and trade show, Lorri Koster, co-chairman of Mann Packing Co. in Salinas, CA, received the 2010 Award of Excellence for a Woman in Produce.

Maria Lena (Mylene) Pacheco joined the Newark, DE-based Produce Marketing Association's staff April 1 in the newly created position of vice president of member value creation. She leads the creation of value for PMA's membership worldwide, including understanding member needs and developing value offerings to meet or exceed those needs.

In her new role, Ms. Pacheco is leading staff teams that are responsible for research and development, events, and education.