There are fewer issues on the priority list of California Citrus Mutual this year than there have generally been in the past, but “they are much greater in their potential impact,” said Joel Nelsen, president of the Exeter, CA-based trade association that represents some 12,000 citrus growers.

Kevin Bartolotta, president and owner of Bartolotta Inc. in Torrington, CT, understands how the downswing in the economy has affected many Americans. He is a strong supporter of Friendly Hands Food Bank Inc., also in Torrington, and served on the organization’s board in the late 1990s and in 2000. Now he is reaching out to the produce industry to lend the food bank a “helping hand” through a fundraiser.

Matthew D’Arrigo, vice president of D’Arrigo Bros. Co., located on the Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, NY, told The Produce News that he feels November is a good time of the year for the New York Produce Show & Conference to be held.

Maurice A. Auerbach in South Hackensack, NJ, is in the final stages of relocation preparations before it moves into its new high-tech facility in Secaucus, NJ. Bruce Klein, director of marketing for the company, said that the new facility is scheduled to be a stop for one of the Wed., Nov. 9, tours that are part of the New York Produce Show & Conference’s events schedule.

“We’re very close to having the facility completed,” said Mr. Klein. “Tour participants will see most of the machinery in place and produce in coolers, although it will not be in full operation yet.”

Joe Lane, a partner-owner at The Garlic Co., told The Produce News that the company continues to promote its serving-size vacuum packs of peeled garlic. The individual pouches combine convenience with flavor.

“My brother, Bob, and I will be walking the New York Produce Show,” Vincent Consalo, president of Wm. Consalo & Sons Farms Inc. in Vineland, NJ, told The Produce News. “We anticipate a good networking opportunity, and it’s extremely convenient for us because we can drive there and back the same day. I’m sure the timing poses some problems for people because it’s so close to the [Produce Marketing Association’s] Fresh Summit, but people are excited about being able to enjoy the city and get work done at the same time.