Capitalizing on the bad weather Mother Nature has unleashed on the upper Midwest this winter, indoor grower Square Roots is launching its first ever consumer advertising campaign today with the tagline “Thrive Inside.”

Jan DeLyser is quick to credit those women who came before her and blazed the trail that she then followed to an elevated 47-year career in the fresh produce industry. She retired from the California Avocado Commission on Feb. 15 after 25 years with CAC. DeLyser has had a stellar professional career and has been a very visible member of the industry as a volunteer leader in numerous organizations.

Ron Carkoski, who died in early January at the age of 69, made his mark professionally by guiding the Four Seasons Family of Produce Companies through an aggressive period of growth during his close to a quarter of century with the organization, including as its CEO. But perhaps his biggest contribution was as a mentor, collaborator and advisor to many colleagues as he served the industry in numerous volunteer roles during his 45-year career.

It was in December of 2002 that the late Francisco (Pancho) Obregon opened IPR Fresh in Nogales, AZ, with the idea of brokering a few fresh produce items and bringing them into the U.S. market.

“Our first product was the bell pepper,” said Jose Luis Obregon, son of the founder and the current president. “We’ve been growing ever since. We’ve had a good track record of delivering high-quality bell peppers and we’ve built strong relationships with trusted growers in Mexico that are focused on sustainable farming practices.”

Joe Bernardi is one guy happy to see companies reopening their official work places and employees coming back to the office.

On Nov. 2-4 at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, AZ, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas will introduce the inaugural Southwest International Produce Expo.