The Southeast Produce Council awarded 53 SEPC Member Scholarships ($53,000) in 2021 thanks to the dedication of its members.

Legend Produce, a leading grower and marketer of melons, hired Marc Beoshanz as the newest farming operations manager.

United Natural Foods Inc. announced the promotion of Matt Whitney to chief strategy and innovation officer. In this new role, Whitney will be responsible for leading the company’s Professional Services and eCommerce business units while also developing new business models, pursuing innovation opportunities, and implementing several ongoing strategic initiatives to complement UNFI’s base wholesale business.

The Produce Marketing Association hired Iván Correa to serve as the country representative in Chile.  Correa will serve as a resource and in-country support for PMA members and the industry providing relevant PMA resources and information and sharing Chilean insights and successes to the global audience. Correa’s primary role will focus on being an expert and point of contact for industry members in Chile, and facilitating critical business connections in the produce and floral industries.

The third Eastern Produce Council Leadership Class experienced key aspects of the produce logistics and distribution system with a tour of the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market and Holt Logistics on May 11. “In this first event of our current leadership program we were excited to engage this group of talented industry professionals with such crucial supply chain partners such as PWPM and Holt,” said Susan McAleavey Sarlund, EPC executive director.

The Washington Apple Education Foundation held its annual meeting to elect and recognize officers and board members.

Laurie Knebusch was elected chairman of WAEF, replacing outgoing chairman Chris Willett.  Knebusch was elected to the board of directors in 2017.  At that time, she was the general manager at Cowiche Growers.  She has served in an officer capacity at WAEF for the last two years.