CHEP, a leader in pallet and container pooling, presented a $10,000 check to the National Watermelon Association during the awards banquet at the group's annual convention in Orange Beach, AL. The money will help fund research, lobbying and consumer promotion activities as well as ongoing operations at the NWA.

The donation is the result of a partnership between the two organizations that provides financial support for the association as more members use CHEP pallets to transport watermelons to retail.

Country Fresh Inc., a Houston-based manufacturer and distributor of fresh- cut produce and ready-to-eat meal solutions, announced the launch of the "Country Fresh Organic" line of whole and fresh-cut produce. More than 70 organic items are now processed through the company's six U.S. Department of Agriculture organic-certified facility locations.

Programs geared to food editors by the Chilean Avocado Importers Association resulted in more than 26 pages of coverage in the nation's top food, women's and consumer magazines during the 2007-08 Chilean season.

Pro*Act, a leading fresh produce supplier to the foodservice industry, announced that Produce Distribution Center LLC in Jacksonville, FL, has joined the Monterery, CA-based company's distribution network.

Produce Distribution Center LLC was founded by Larry Movsovitz, who runs the company along with his sons, Seth and Max, both members of the fourth generation of the family's involvement in produce that began in the late 1890s with Max Movsovitz.

Imagination Farms continues to leverage consumer opportunities with the "Disney" brand by expanding its category reach to include mangos in its comprehensive product offerings. Mangos will be supplied by Progreso Produce, based in Boerne, TX.

Mark Haun, West Coast sales manager for Imagination Farms, said in a press release, "A comprehensive category assortment is an important goal for our program to assure that we can offer real opportunities for consumers to increase consumption by trying a variety of fruits and vegetables, including mangos."

Just over a year after being appointed executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association in Dover, FL, Shawn Crocker was placed on paid leave Feb. 18.

Association President Allen Williford said, "We are not soliciting a new director at this time," but he refused further comment.

Mr. Crocker replaced Charles F. (Chip) Hinton, who resigned in November 2006.

The association's board has met with its attorney to determine how to resolve unspecified issues between Mr. Crocker and the association.