ASHLYNN BIEL joined Edinburg Citrus Association, based in Edinburg, TX, in late October.

In her new position at Edinburg Citrus, Biel will be responsible for handling the marketing for the company, as well as working in the sales department.

Toward the end of October, I took a 1,426-mile driving trip to visit retail clients in Arizona and California. During my trek, I saw a variety of supermarkets whether they were of a client, their competition, or just a common grocery store while passing through a lonely desert town.

Prior to visiting a retail client, I normally like to check out their competition first. This allows me to observe anything and everything they are doing to draw customers into their stores. No two supermarkets operate with the same programs.

Two leaders from Western Growers were honored with the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement’s Golden Checkmark Award during the organization’s 88th annual meeting and convention being held in Honolulu.

Tops Friendly Markets has been acquired by members of the company’s executive management team. The transaction is subject to certain customary closing conditions, but the company expects it will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2013.

NEW ORLEANS — Van Solkema Produce Inc., based in Byron Center, MI, introduced its new packaged fresh produce line at the PMA Fresh Summit. The “Oh Boy!” brand pouched bag is designed to merchandise a wide variety of produce items, including sweet cherries, green beans, mini sweet peppers, mixed squashes, Brussels sprouts and tomatoes.

Todd Van Solkema said the zipper seal on the bag preserves freshness and gives the varied products a long shelf life.

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council has made a contribution of $10,000 through The Philippines Red Cross to support relief efforts in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.

Thousands of Filipinos were killed during the storm and millions have been left homeless and without food.