Many fresh produce terminal markets that were built decades ago have been making great strides at improvement, renovation and revitalization initiatives in recent years. One included is the Boston Market Terminal, which opened in April 1969. It is where Community-Suffolk Inc., a full line hardware vegetable house, is located.

Tommy Piazza, partner, corporate clerk and executive in charge of potatoes for the family owned and operated company, said the terminal recently installed all new lighting throughout the market.

Steve Piazza, president of Community-Suffolk.“LED lights were installed in bays and on the docks,” said Piazza. “This is great for safety purposes. LED lights are more efficient and much brighter than regular lights, and that’s important based on the fact that the terminal market is very active during the nighttime hours.”

Also for increased safety, the market extended its platforms by about 20 inches several years ago, which was necessary for maneuverability purposes. The bays now hang toward the outside.

Community-Suffolk also makes internal improvements to its space on the market. Last year the company successfully implemented a new computer system referred to as an information technology infrastructure, which enables staff to check inventory, profit and loss information and all else pertinent to the operation in real time at their desks.

Steve Piazza, one of Tommy’s brothers, is the company president. Another brother, Jackie Piazza, is the director of citrus, which is located in the adjacent New England Produce Center facility. A cousin, David Piazza, is the vice president and oversees iceberg lettuce and onions sales.

Ron Dugas has been with Community-Suffolk for many years, and worked with Tommy’s grandfather and then father in sales. Last year the company hired Dana Campo, whose family has been in the produce industry for over five generations. He now works with Dugas, and he sources some items independently for the company that are added to loads of celery to help reduce freight costs.

“We have been receiving more loads that have been rejected by the original receiver,” explained Piazza. “It’s simply the fairness of business — the bigger guys got bigger and the smaller are dispersing. We’re the first contact when a load is available. That’s a good thing, and we’re proud of it.”

The company is also known for its community involvement, including its generosity to those in need. And it’s highly attentive to the environment and sustainability.

“We handle our own cleanup at the markets rather than using an outside company that requires transit time and expense to get here,” said Piazza. “Our equipment is in-house, so tractors don’t have to run for many hours. This reduces our carbon footprint. And we do wood chipping and composting. Even our vegetable matter is recycled. It goes to greenhouses for fertilizer or to piggeries for feed.”

The company is committed to the Italian Home for Children in Boston, an organization that helps children, adults and families with emotional, behavioral, and educational needs.