By now, most of us have become exhausted from the constant reminding about the shaky economy that continues to plague the business world. Repetitive news about the sales and unemployment doldrums has weakened the public morale even further. Negative reports about the economy have become a daily routine.

Mission Produce Inc. in Oxnard, CA, a global avocado and asparagus supplier, has hired Mike Haynes as a sales representative.

Mr. Haynes is a University of Southern California graduate with 20 years in the produce industry. He spent six years with Delta Produce and the last three years with Freska Produce exclusively selling avocados. At Mission, Mr. Haynes will be servicing new and existing retail and foodservice accounts.

The Super Bowl is one of the more popular sporting events of the year, and, equally as important as the game is the food selection at Super Bowl parties.

KENNETT SQUARE, PA -- Construction approvals for local zoning took two years, but persistence has paid off for Manfredi Cold Storage, based here. Frank Manfredi, president of Manfredi Logistics Service, told The Produce News Nov. 20 that the first phase of a warehouse expansion will be open for Chilean fruit business in early February.

From the vineyards of Australia to kitchens across the city of London, it is difficult to find a holiday meal that does not include potatoes.

The Idaho Potato Commission has partnered with Rosemount Wines in a unique holiday promotion that gives consumers $1 off a five-pound bag of Idaho potatoes as well as Gordon Ramsay's own recipe for Champ, an English-style mashed potato dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Consumers can also enjoy holiday savings from other promotion participants, including pork and Maille mustard.

In response to food safety concerns from retail and foodservice customers, Mission Produce Inc. in Oxnard, CA, took a proactive position and began encouraging its avocado growers to become Good Agricultural Practices certified.

GAP certification helps prevent food safety issues. The program seeks to identify all potential sources of food contaminants that may exist on a farm or ranch, and it is designed to give growers all the tools they need to control and monitor any potential contamination sources they encounter.