BRASELTON, GA -- The Southeast Produce Council celebrated its 10th anniversary the first weekend in November in part by recognizing many of the individuals who have helped make the council a success since it was founded in 1999.

Attendees also heard a presentation by consultant Ronnie De La Cruz, whose keynote address looked at how major events over the past 10 years have affected the council and the produce industry in general as well as some issues that may have an important impact over the next 10 years.

Family, friends and co-workers are mourning the death of Steven Craig Hood, who worked in sales and shipping for Keystone Fruit Marketing Inc. in Walla Walla, WA.

Mr. Hood, a resident of College Place, WA, died Oct. 29 at the Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, WA. He was 54 years old. The cause of death was not disclosed.

"He was really a genuinely good guy," colleague Dan Borer told The Produce News Nov. 9. "He was very well respected and honest. He was a good man to work with."

United Potato Growers of Idaho in Idaho Falls announced Nov. 5 the resignation of Jerry Wright, president and chief executive officer, effective immediately, to pursue other opportunities.

Rick Shawver, the organization's chief operating officer, will handle interim operations. No additional staffing changes will be made at this time. "United Potato Growers of Idaho appreciates Mr. Wright's efforts on behalf of the organization," Carl Taylor, UPGI board chairman, said in a Nov. 5 press release. "We wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

ST.-LEONARD, QC -- Over 500 members of the produce industry turned out for the Quebec Produce Marketing Association's 24th annual Oyster Party, held here Nov. 6 at Le Rizz reception hall.

VISALIA, CA -- In a year when California Citrus Mutual, along with many other farm groups in California, has been fighting drastic reductions in state and federal agricultural water allotments as well as a host of other burdensome regulatory issues that make it increasingly difficult for many farming operations to survive, the Exeter, CA-based organization selected Robin Rivett, president of the Pacific Legal Foundation, as the keynote speaker for its 32nd annual meeting, which was held here Nov. 5.

The Produce Marketing Association is conducting a national search for a person to take over the position recently vacated by Gary Fleming, who was the association's Produce Traceability Initiative point person.

Mr. Fleming, who wore the title of vice president of industry technology and standards, spent his last day on the job Nov. 3 conducting a PTI workshop in Charlotte, NC. He resigned from PMA in mid-October to establish his own consulting firm.