LAS VEGAS -- There is no time like the present to seize the opportunity to provide fresh produce to children in the United States, said members of a United Fresh 2009 workshop panel discussion titled "Turning Policy Victories into Produce Sales -- From WIC to Schools."

Amidst a takeover effort by its bank creditors and much uncertainty exhibited by both suppliers and employees, Salyer American Fresh Foods Inc. President Eric Schwartz resigned the last week of April, with the word hitting the street Tuesday, May 5.

ARLINGTON, VA -- The Food Marketing Institute announced May 5 that Richard N. Jurgens, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Hy-Vee Inc., was elected chairman of the FMI board of directors.

He has served on FMI's board since 2005 and on the executive committee since 2007. He was FMI's chairman of the member services committee from 2007 to 2009.

The 84th Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention & Trade Show is aptly themed "Produce: Powered by People." Melanie Richer, senior manager of marketing and communications, said that CPMA is anticipating record- breaking crowds at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The convention begins May 6 with registration and the annual general meeting, and concludes the evening of May 8 with the annual banquet reception and dinner.

LAS VEGAS -- Today's consumers are living in a fast-paced, changing world, and they are changing just as quickly. To capture these customers, supermarket retailers are going to have to reach out and find new ways to do business.

That was the general message delivered by Kevin Coupe, a former reporter who monitors the retail sector and who spoke at the Retail-Foodservice Super Session April 23 during the United Fresh Produce Association convention, here.

WEST ORANGE, NJ -- The Eastern Produce Council elected a new president and vice president at its dinner meeting April 28 at the Manor in West Orange, NJ.

Dean Holmquist, director of produce and floral for Foodtown Inc., is the organization's new president, replacing Joe DeLorenzo, director of produce merchandising and operations for Alpha 1 Marketing and who served as the council's president for the past four years.

Paul Kneeland, vice president of produce and floral for Kings Supermarkets Inc., is the council's new vice president.