Washington state Governor Chris Gregoire recognized Stemilt Growers with a Governor's Award for Leadership in Energy Performance during an awards ceremony held at the state Capitol. Stemilt received the award for greatly reducing its energy use during the past two years, which it accomplished with help from Chelan County Public Utility District.

Over 700 high school students at the Esperanza Academy Charter School in Philadelphia’s Hunting Park neighborhood now have improved access to fresh fruits and vegetables. To promote healthy eating and good nutrition in school lunches, the access comes via a salad bar donated by the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market and the United Fresh Produce Association's United Fresh Foundation.

The Hass Avocado Board's 2013 executive committee includes Chairman James W.

Karen Brux has been tapped to lead the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association's promotional efforts in the United States and Canada, the group announced Dec. 4. She replaces Tom Tjerandsen, who announced his retirement.

As Managing Director for North America, Ms. Brux will oversee all promotional and support programs for the organization that represents Chile's fresh fruit growers, packers and shippers.

For the 30th year, the Haun Potato Co. and its employees will deliver another full truckload of fresh packed Red River Valley potatoes to the Kansas City, MO, Salvation Army.

Dave Moquist, secretary/treasurer for O.C. Schulz and Sons Inc., said prospects for the marketing of the 2012 red potato crop have been bright. “We’ve had excellent demand and good movement,” he told The Produce News.

The company is located in Crystal, ND, and is a grower-packer-shipper of quality red potatoes, 90 percent of which are sold to the fresh market. The company’s harvest ramped up in mid-September and finished in early October. According to Mr. Moquist, potato quality was good, and yields were average to above average.