WASHINGTON -- The architect of the Obama administration's buy local movement, one of the more important deal-makers in the U.S. Senate, and one of the more recognizable faces in the House of Representatives will address attendees at the United Fresh Produce Association's Washington Public Policy Conference this September.

Sunlight International Sales Inc. in McFarland, CA, is introducing some new promotional materials for retailers this year, according to Nick Dulcich, a partner in Jacov P. Dulcich & Sons and president of Sunlight, which is the marketing arm of Dulcich & Sons.

Misionero Vegetable Sales in Salinas, CA, is taking an opportunity at the Produce Marketing Association's foodservice expo in Monterey, CA, to showcase some recently launched products, most notably "our 10-pound filet pack on Romaine and green leaf," said Dan Canales, vice president of sales and marketing.

"I attended a two-day intensive seminar at the Culinary Institute of America in New York City recently," Fred Recchiuti, general manager of Basciani Mushroom Farms in Avondale, PA, told The Produce News July 6. “Some of the feedback I got from the chefs who were in attendance was that Portabella mushrooms are almost too big today. It was mentioned that it's too bad that a petite Portabella — one that could be eaten in just a few bites — wasn’t available that could fit onto a slider.”

West Pak Avocado Inc. in Temecula, CA, has exhibited at the Produce Marketing Association's foodservice expo in Monterey, CA, "for several years already" and will be there again this year, according to Doug Meyer, vice president of sales and marketing.

“This year we will have a new booth design that we will be rolling out” with updated graphics and new display units to showcase the company’s fruit. The messaging for the exhibit is built around “our customized preconditioning program,” Mr. Meyer said.

Rejuvenating business is the theme of Produce Marketing Association's 2010 Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition, and the opening session keynote speaker has proven that he knows how.

A.G. Lafley, former chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Procter & Gamble, turned the global company around after taking over in 2000, doubling its sales and more than doubling its portfolio of billion-dollar brands. Mr. Lafley will explain how he did it during the convention opening general session on Friday, Oct. 15.