Albert (Al) Gracio, who worked as a bulk-buying specialist, consolidation dock manager and quality assurance manager for Fresh Network in Salinas, CA, died Jan. 26. He was 61.

Due to changes in regulations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the first loads of Mexican avocados are preparing to cross the border through Nogales, AZ.

On Nov. 30, the USDA announced the expansion of the Mexican avocado program, allowing avocados from approved municipalities in the state of Michoacan into the United States during all 12 months and into all states except California, Hawaii and Florida.

The new regulations became effective Jan. 31.

TPG Enterprises in Othello, WA, has hired Loren Queen as sales and marketing manager for its fresh-cut apple line, Snappy Apples, and as project manager of its tart cherry juice line, Tart is Smart.

Mr. Queen has 10 years of experience in the fresh-cut produce industry, most recently as director of marketing for the International Fresh-cut Produce Association.

Ivan Taylor, president of TPG, said in a statement, "We are excited to have Loren join our team. We know his level of commitment will take us to the next level."

Four months after its inception, Premium Fresh Farms LLC in Salinas, CA, has announced the appointment of Cynthia Kerr as director of marketing and Craig Long as national accounts manager.

The pair represents the first sales and marketing additions for Premium Fresh Farms LLC, a newly formed processing company that purchased the assets of Coronet Foods? Western division in September.

Premium Fresh Farms specializes in processed salad and vegetable items for the foodservice industry.

VIENNA, VA " The U. S. Apple Association?s National Apple Month program has announced the winners of its fall 2004 NAM retail and military display contests, bringing the apple industry's fall generic apple promotion to a close.

Since her youth, Amy Gates, 28, has made a habit of quickly climbing through the ranks at the companies for which she works.

At 15 years old, Ms. Gates "took photographs for a white-water rafting company."

By 17, the company owner, who did not realize her young age, promoted her to office manager.

?They paid me really well, and it was seasonal, which worked out really well because I was in college? at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA, earning her degree in agriculture business with a concentration in marketing.