Maria Lena (Mylene) Pacheco joined the Newark, DE-based Produce Marketing Association's staff April 1 in the newly created position of vice president of member value creation. She leads the creation of value for PMA's membership worldwide, including understanding member needs and developing value offerings to meet or exceed those needs.

In her new role, Ms. Pacheco is leading staff teams that are responsible for research and development, events, and education.

Rock Butera, vice president of global sales and marketing for Nuovo International in Nashville, TN, told The Produce News that the full-service and marketing firm continues to focus strongly on the produce industry.

PARMA, ID -- In addition to its $15 million facility expansion at its complex here, seed giant Nunhems has also enlarged its Idaho staff to include Travis Estvold, newly named marketing and communication specialist for the Americas.

Mr. Estvold moves into the position previously held by Rebecca Catlett, a five-year employee of the seed company, who has taken on the role of global marketing and communications specialist, a job created in January 2009.

Just in time for the spring peak season, Ocean Mist Farms artichokes will be advertised in Shape magazine in May.

Ocean Mist Farms, based in Castroville, CA, is investing in advertising the spring crop this year in order to reach an important demographic that aligns with the artichoke consumer profile, according to Kori Tuggle, marketing manager for Ocean Mist.

LAS VEGAS, NV -- Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush kicked off the United Fresh Produce Association's 2010 convention and expo Tuesday afternoon, April 20, at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, here.

In his address to the produce industry during Tuesday's general session at United Fresh 2010, Mr. Bush reminded the assembled attendees of the work left to do to guide the industry out of the recent economic doldrums into a more prosperous environment.

More than 100 key stakeholders in obesity prevention from academia, community groups, government and industry, including United Fresh President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Stenzel, gathered in early April at the White House to discuss the growing epidemic of child obesity and ways to combat it.