American Floral Endowment names new officers, board
Paul Bachman of Bachman’s Inc. in Minneapolis began a two-year term as chairman of the American Floral Endowment at the organization’s annual dinner Sept. 20 in Palm Beach, FL. He began working in the family business when he was 13, received the Society of American Florists Marketer of the Year Award in 2011 and is a former chairman of the American Floral Marketing Council and the National PromoFlor Marketing Council.
SAF welcomes new officers, board, council members
Society of American Florist members elected three new members to its board of directors and nine new members of its Retailers, Wholesalers and Growers Councils during its annual meeting in Palm Beach, FL. Council elections took place by mail ballot in July and August, and new board members were elected in voting at Palm Beach.
New board members are grower Dave Self of Wyld West Annuals Inc. in Loxahatchee, FL; wholesaler Bill LaFever of Bill Doran Co. in Rockford, IL; and retailer Robert Aykens of Memorial Florists & Greenhouses Inc. in Appleton, WI.
Charlie Cook named speaker for SAF floral lobbying days
When Charlie Cook talks, politicos from both sides of the aisle pay close attention. So will Society of American Florists members when one of Washington’s most trusted voices on all things political is the kick-off speaker for Congressional Action Days, March 11-12, 2013. Mr. Cook will give an inside look at the post-election landscape.
Rocket Farms, Nurserymen’s Exchange to operate under Rocket Farms brand
Rocket Farms in Salinas, CA, a pioneer in the indoor floral industry, announced Oct. 16 that its sister company, Nurserymen’s Exchange in Half Moon Bay, CA, will operate under the Rocket Farms brand. Rocket Farms’ parent company, Monterey Peninsula Horticulture, has spent the last 12 months integrating the operations of both companies after acquiring Nurserymen’s Exchange last August.
Valentine’s Day prospects rosy for 2013, especially with certain groups
Prospects are rosy for Valentine’s Day 2013, according to several surveys and reports.
A recovering economy and the emergence of new groups with an affinity for buying flowers on Valentine’s Day are key pillars of the resurgence of this holiday, second only to Mother’s Day for flower and plant sales.
Limoneira’s ‘Unleash’ campaign boosts awareness of the many uses of lemons
Among the older companies in the California citrus industry, Limoneira Co. in Santa Paula, CA, has been growing citrus in Ventura County since 1993 and will mark its 120th anniversary in 2013.
Trucco’s Sal Vacca sees tight supplies, higher prices in nut category this season
In-shell nuts are a major category, particularly as the holiday season approaches, for A.J. Trucco Inc., a wholesaler, importer and distributor located on New York City’s Hunts Point Terminal Market.
This year, supplies will be tight and prices high on many items in the nut category, according to Salvatore (Sal) Vacca, president of the company.
PRO*ACT announces retirement of CEO Steve Grinstead
PRO*ACT, one of America's leading distributors of fresh produce to the foodservice industry, announced the retirement of Chief Executive Officer Steve Grinstead, who has served PRO*ACT for the last eight years. Mr. Grinstead leaves behind a strong senior management team that he was instrumental in developing during his tenure. Max Yeater, company president, will assume the majority of Grinstead's duties.
Election results raise hope for immigration reform, but still leaves farm bill in doubt
WASHINGTON — Tuesday’s election may not affect the 2012 Farm Bill debate, the produce industry’s most pressing legislative priority slated for this week’s lame duck session, but it will have implications for food safety, immigration reform and environmental regulations down the road, experts told The Produce News.
President Obama won re-election and nearly every battleground state, the Democrats maintained control of the Senate and the Republicans kept majority control of the House of Representatives.
Industry’s approach addresses sustainability issues
The word “sustainability” is on the lips of almost everyone in the produce industry these days, and it is something that more and more retail and foodservice customers are asking for from their suppliers.