New York Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers presented the state?s Pride of New York marketing and promotional program to the members of the Eastern Produce Council at its monthly meeting held March 15 in Teaneck, NJ.

After 17 years at Verdelli Farms in Harrisburg, PA, Tom Marrolli has resigned to take a new position with State Garden Inc., the Boston-based producer of "State Garden? and "Noreast? brand spinach and spring mix products.

Mr. Marrolli, who served as director of sales at Verdelli for the past eight years, said he leaves the company with great memories.

KENNEWICK, WA " At the same time that Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire declared a statewide drought emergency Thursday, March 10, at a Yakima press conference, growers across the state were busy preparing for the 2005 fruit and vegetable season.

Preparation this year includes, in some cases, plans for upgraded water conservation practices, possible reduction in volume and a watchful eye to the sky for any break in the prevalent weather patterns. Growers are also awaiting the April 1 report on snowpack and streamflows.

Where do you work? Are you sure you have the correct company name? What name was on your company building today? What name will be on it next year, next month, next week or even tomorrow?

In a company somewhere today, a receptionist or automated answering system could be welcoming a caller by saying, "Hello, you have reached the Laurel and Hardy Produce Company." Tomorrow, the same system in the same building could change to "Hello, you have reached the Abbott and Costello Produce Company, formerly the Laurel and Hardy Produce Company."

Ready Pac announced the hiring of Steve Dickstein as vice president of marketing, where he will be responsible for achieving growth objectives in brand value, market share and profitability.

He succeeds Bill Zinke, who resigned to pursue other opportunities.

WASHINGTON " In a key victory for U.S. producers, the World Trade Organization has ruled that the European Union can no longer keep out U.S. brand name products, such as Florida oranges or Idaho potatoes.