CMI, a leading Washington state grower-shipper of premium quality conventional and organic apples, pears and cherries, is rolling out its new Sweet Gourmet Pear program.

Social and networking opportunities are typically a big part of the lineup during the Idaho Grower Shippers Association's annual convention in Sun Valley, ID, and this year was no different as members of the industry enjoyed a round of golf Aug. 30 following the morning business session during the organization's 85th annual meeting.

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Since 2005, Jupiter, FL-based Locus Traxx and its proprietary monitoring technology have helped save thousands of loads and millions of dollars in at-risk revenue throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada, maintaining complete records of the journey of any shipment of produce. Now the company has plans to move beyond those borders and is taking its technology worldwide.

“We expect our summer citrus season to wrap up in mid-November with South African Midknights and late mandarins,” said Dan Schatz, general manager for DNE World Fruit LLC, headquartered in Fort Pierce, FL. “In the meantime, we’re in full swing with our other summer citrus programs.”

ANTIGO, WI — Dana Rady’s title of director of promotion, communication and consumer education suggests a long list of responsibilities for the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, headquartered here.

Previously a Rhinelander, WI, television news anchor, Rady took the industry position in September 2012. As she describes WPVGA’s work, it does, indeed, reflect a wide range of services her office provides for the Wisconsin industry.

SUN VALLEY, ID — Carl Ball, a partner and general manager at Ball Bros. Produce LLC in Lewisville, ID, is the recipient of the Idaho Grower Shippers Association's 2013 Russet Aristocrat Award, an award received by his father, Ron Ball, 16 years earlier.

Ryan Bybee, chairman of the IGSA's 85th annual convention, held here Aug. 28-30, and the IGSA incoming chairman, presented the award to Ball Aug. 30 at the closing banquet.