BRONX, NY -- Although the weather was unseasonably cold and damp, the atmosphere was warm and inviting at the Hunts Point Economic Development Corp.'s 22nd annual business reception, known locally as the Hunts Point Tent Party, held here Oct. 15 on the grounds New Fulton Fish Market at Hunts Point.

Several local dignitaries addressed approximately 350 people who attended the event, which is a celebration of the food industry at one of the larger food distribution centers in the country.

Tree fruit industry veteran Keith Mathews, who is currently executive director of the Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Association, was hired by FirstFruits of Washington at the beginning of October as its new chief executive officer.

Mr. Mathews is currently wrapping up his official duties with the association, where he has worked a total of seven years during two separate stints - from 1989 to 1994 and again from 2007 to 2009.

California Citrus Mutual in Exeter, CA, a trade association representing growers who farm more than 200,000 combined acres of citrus, is involved in dealing with assorted issues of concern to its members.

Sergio Chamberlain, formerly chief executive officer and sales manager of Meyer LLC in Nogales, AZ, left Meyer Sept. 22 after nearly eight years with the company to start his own produce business. It was something he said he has dreamed of doing since he got his first job as an on-ground buyer for a small company 20 years ago.

FOXBOROUGH, MA -- On Thursday, Oct. 15, Katie Pelczar of Dedham, MA, was announced the winner of Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc.'s tailgate cookoff held at Patriot Place Bog at Gillette Stadium, here.

Ms. Pelczar was one of three finalists to compete for the title, "Unofficial Official Tailgate Recipe of the New England Patriots." The event was held at the cranberry bog display set up just outside Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots.

CHELSEA, MA -- There is a nice feeling among metro Boston's produce distributors, an upbeat mood that business is good, if not great. There is a prevalent sense that there is opportunity for diligent businesses that hustle and are watchful of accounts receivable. Boston apparently has few produce problems that are exclusively Bostonian.