"We just hit the 300 mark in attendance for the Southeast Produce Council Fall Conference," Terry Vorhees, executive director of the SPC, told The Produce News Aug. 22. "We have a full and exciting venue planned and are looking forward to an outstanding event."

The conference, scheduled for Sept. 20-22, will be held at The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC, which is where the organization's very first fall event was held in 2000.

The Eastern Produce Council plans to honor two produce industry veterans at its annual dinner-dance this fall.

The council will honor Arthur R. Brown Jr., best known for his long service as secretary of agriculture for the state of New Jersey, with a Lifetime Achievement Award, a first for the organization, according to EPC Executive Director John McAleavey.

Southern Specialties Inc. announced that Brad Bailey has joined the company as director of sales.

The Giumarra Cos. announced that James Paul has joined the company and will handle avocado and asparagus sales.

Mr. Paul will work with Midwest and East Coast customers to implement programs designed to create incremental sales for asparagus and avocados. He will also be coordinating efforts with Giumarra's global supply to provide a seamless continuity of fresh Nature's Partner asparagus throughout the year.

The Watson ‘family,’ related both by blood and by professional extension, at the Idaho-Oregon Fruit & Vegetable Association conference in June.

Washington’s Skagit Valley is a breath-taking location and home to significant agricultural production. According to www.visitskagitvalley.com, “The Skagit Maritime Valley has over 93,000 acres of active farmland. The Skagit River comprises the third-largest watershed on the West Coast of the continental United States with a delta graced by working farms and wildlife refuges. The Skagit Flats is one of the most popular areas for birding in Washington state.