The National Mango Board honored four retailers for being the “best of the best” in mango retailing and providing outstanding support and promotion for mangos. The winners were announced at the NMB’s Mango Industry Reception  Oct. 27 during the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit.

Through this new program in 2012, the NMB identified four mango model retailers from across the country, and selected one of these as the Mango Retailer of the Year.

Market Fresh Produce, revealed its new line of gourmet specialty potato products at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit in Anaheim, CA. Red and gold potatoes, including fingerlings as well as “B” and “C” size, will be offered in 24-ounce fresh-pack poly mesh bags, along with microwave food-safe plastic bags and 20-pound bulk cartons.

Irving Louis (Lou) Sherman died of natural causes at age 98 Oct. 17 at his home in Rosedale, NY. Mr. Sherman spent his approximate 75-year career servicing the New York City produce industry as executive director of the New York Produce Trade Association.

Jo Ann Taylor, office manager for the association worked for Mr. Sherman for 17 years.

The Michigan Floral Foundation inducted Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford of Florapros in Chicago into its hall of fame on Oct. 11. She was cited as an outstanding mentor and inspiration to floral industry members at ceremonies in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, MI.

Paul Bachman of Bachman’s Inc. in Minneapolis began a two-year term as chairman of the American Floral Endowment at the organization’s annual dinner Sept. 20 in Palm Beach, FL. He began working in the family business when he was 13, received the Society of American Florists Marketer of the Year Award in 2011 and is a former chairman of the American Floral Marketing Council and the National PromoFlor Marketing Council.

Society of American Florist members elected three new members to its board of directors and nine new members of its Retailers, Wholesalers and Growers Councils during its annual meeting in Palm Beach, FL. Council elections took place by mail ballot in July and August, and new board members were elected in voting at Palm Beach.

New board members are grower Dave Self of Wyld West Annuals Inc. in Loxahatchee, FL; wholesaler Bill LaFever of Bill Doran Co. in Rockford, IL; and retailer Robert Aykens of Memorial Florists & Greenhouses Inc. in Appleton, WI.