IN THE TRENCHES: Focus on your strengths for success in 2009
I don't know about you, but at home I have been experiencing phone call after phone call from insurance agencies, department stores, home improvement centers, telephone companies, banks and even window washers trying to sell me something new or convince me to upgrade what I already have.
Additionally, I am receiving loads of coupons in the mail from restaurants vying for my patronage. It's all part of "emergency marketing" as companies solicit for business in a slumping economy.
Tom Mathison remembered as a tree fruit leader and innovator
WENATCHEE, WA -- Stemilt founder and tree fruit pioneer Thomas Kyle Mathison died Dec. 26 of cancer. He was 82 years old.
Born June 23, 1926 and raised on Stemilt Hill near Wenatchee, Mr. Mathison was a third-generation apple and cherry grower, intelligent businessman and driving force behind bringing Washington fruit to the global marketplace.
Upon graduating from Wenatchee High School, he joined the U.S. Army and fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was in Tokyo Bay for the signing of the armistice as the war ended.
Florida strawberries a bit late, but outstanding quality expected
Cool temperatures during the Florida strawberry growing season have delayed the harvest by about a week or two for some growers, but the lasting effects on the deal should be stronger fruit and a somewhat longer season.
Sierra View Sales co-founder dies at 55
James Dale (J.D.) Ward Jr., co-founder of Sierra View Sales in Fresno, CA, died Dec. 9 in Lenox, IA, where he had been living for the past 18 months since moving from Fresno, CA. He was 55.
The cause of death was not revealed.
Stewardship Index to measure sustainability
A group of more than 30 leading growers, suppliers, buyers, technical experts, environmental organizations and public interest organizations announced Dec. 18 the formation of the Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops.
Through an inclusive effort, the multi-stakeholder initiative will develop and share a comprehensive system for measuring sustainable performance across the supply chain -- at farms, processors, distributors, food-service providers and retailers.
Mexican fruit fly quarantine declared in Azusa area
SACRAMENTO, CA -- State and federal agriculture officials have confirmed a Mexican fruit fly infestation near Azusa in Los Angeles County, prompting the declaration of a 70-square-mile quarantine.
A map of the quarantine area is available on-line at http://pi.cdfa.ca.gov/pqm/manual/PDF/maps/MEXFLYAZUSA.pdf
Produce boards put out joint call for food-safety proposals
The Center for Produce Safety and the California Leafy Greens Research Board announced Nov. 20 a joint call for food-safety research proposals.
The research areas are directed to answer critical research questions that fill the gaps in the basic understanding in specific areas of food-safety practices for leafy greens production. The objective is to provide the leafy greens produce industry with practical, translatable research data that can be used at all levels throughout the supply chain.
Pump up potato sales during Potato Lover's Month
The Idaho Potato Retail Display Contest, one of the industry's more anticipated retail promotions of the year, is back. With more than $150,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs and a free DVD/MP3 player to all qualified entrants, everyone's a winner guaranteed.
Now in its 18th year, this contest continues to attract huge support from retailers from across the country. Last year, close to 1,900 entries were received.
Metro Inc. names new director of produce procurement
Montreal-based Metro Inc., one of the larger retailers in Canada, has named Daniel Archambault its new director of produce procurement, sales and quality control for Quebec.
Mr. Archambault, Metro's former produce sales manager and a 27-year veteran at the firm, replaces Ghislain Perron, a 29-year Metro employee and a 40-year veteran of the produce industry, who was named director of special projects for produce in July.
Salyer American's new website offers weekly crop updates
MONTEREY, CA -- Salyer American Fresh Foods announced Dec. 8 that its new website is now on-line at www.salyeramerican.com.
Among its many useful features is a unique, easy-to-use link to crop updates by commodity. Produce buyers can click the crop update button at the top of the page to learn the latest information on crop appearance, quality and availability.
Featured commodities include broccoli, cauliflower, celery, green onions, Iceberg lettuce, leaf lettuce and Romaine. Crop updates are done weekly and posted at 10 a.m. PST each Saturday.