SCOTTSDALE, AZ — The 109th annual National Watermelon Convention, aka the annual “Watermelon Family Reunion,” kicked off Feb. 21 with an opening reception, here, at the We-Ko-Pa casino resort, drawing attendees from across the country. The reception was held at nearby Fort McDowell Adventures and offered a number of western activities with the beautiful Arizona desert in the backdrop. A guest appearance by NASCAR legend and watermelon industry supporter Ross Chastain was a highlight of the evening.

Weis Markets promoted Mike Umstead to vice president of talent development and associate relations. Prior to his promotion, he worked as the company’s director of field human resources. He succeeds Bob Cline who is retiring.

Ocean Mist Farms has been an active supporter of the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure show and a loyal and consistent exhibitor since 2009.

“We will once again be exhibiting at this year’s show as a silver sponsor of the event and will be participating in the conference activities,” said Mark Munger, senior director of marketing for the Castroville, CA-grower shipper. “Southern Exposure is a very social event and provides valuable opportunities to network with our existing customers, as well as dialog with new customers.”

Lipman Family Farms has added four new board members, bringing a wealth of diverse expertise and perspectives to guide the company through its next phase of growth. The newly appointed board members are John Corso, Beth Newlands Campbell, Jorge Fenyvesi and Jared Lipman.

While inflation has been kept in check for much of the broader economy over the last few months and diesel prices have declined, the cost of diesel fuel may have negative ripple effects across the economy, particularly for food and beverage fleets.

Six years in and Walmart’s Live Better U education benefit has given nearly half a billion dollars in tuition savings to more than 126,000 associates the opportunity to learn from top academic institutions. Now the company is reimagining the program to focus on skills that make associates more hirable for key roles within the company.

Walmart’s goal is to help fast-track Walmart and Sam’s Club associates into approximately 100,000 in-demand jobs it expects to fill over the next three years.