Wenatchee, WA-based Columbia Marketing International, a shipper of conventional and organic apples, pears and cherries, announced the hire of JEFF NIESZ to its domestic sales team on May 7.

Mr. Niesz grew up on a family farm in Wapato and attended Washington State University where he majored in agricultural economics.

CENTER, CO — With its integrated farming/shipping/marketing program firmly in place, Aspen Produce of Center, CO, is increasing its focus on domestic chain business, according to Jed Ellithorpe and Dwayne Weyers, both principals of the operation.

Mr. Weyers said Aspen’s sales team, which includes Michele Peterson and Ryan Haynie, handles both domestic and export customers, with emphasis on U.S. receivers this season.

Mountain Valley Logistics welcomed its newest staff member, Michael Trujillo, to the transportation team this past March. “He is taking great strides in learning the business as well as learning our operation,” Transportation Manager Kurt Holland told The Produce News on May 18.

CENTER, CO — Potatoes harvested in 2011 continue to move well for Cañon Potato Co., according to company President David Tonso who said supplies would continue through late June or possibly early July.

Tex Starr Distributing LLC, grower-shippers of the super sweet papaya variety Royal Star and traditional variety, Sun Crest Maradol papaya, received GFS certification for its farms and packingsheds in Mexico. The company has completed all of the necessary requirements for the GFS-certification program.

MONTE VISTA, CO — With Olympic Figure Skater Rachael Flatt continuing in her role as spokesperson for the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee through June 2013, CPAC is enlarging its electronic reach within social media mainstays Facebook and Twitter, as well as the newer pin-and-share site, Pinterest.