Bryon McDougall, director of operations for McDougall & Sons, loves a challenge. "Every day's a new day, and every day is different," he told The Produce News.

And he manages to cram an awful lot into each day. "I had all my excitement when I was young," he laughed. "I'm 28 going on 40."

Imagination Farms, based in Indianapolis, has expanded its distribution network of "Disney Garden" suppliers with the addition of Berry Fresh in Dominguez Hills, CA.

Mark Haun, Western region sales manager for Imagination Farms, said in a Feb. 18 press release, "With our singular focus on increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables among children, a berry program was a priority for us. Berry Fresh is enthusiastic about the opportunity and will help us bring quality berries to the marketplace."

MONTE VISTA, CO -- Held once again in conjunction with the area's agriculture fair at the Ski-Hi Park, the election of new members to the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee took place Feb. 12.

The event included a keynote address by Lowell Catlett, renowned futurist and professor at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces.

Southern Specialties Inc., headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL, announced Feb. 16 that Tim Meissner has been hired as chief operating officer.

Mr. Meissner has a broad range of experience in the produce industry. His career has included positions in retail, foodservice, produce distribution and grower applications management. He most recently held the position of vice president of sales at River Ranch Fresh Foods in Salinas, CA.

The U.S. Commerce Department has released data showing that consumer spending on food dropped almost 3.7 percent during the fourth quarter of 2008 as the effects of the sagging economy made their presence known.

The Wall Street Journal reported the news Friday, Feb. 13, revealing that spending was down pretty much across the board as consumers spent 10.9 percent less on alcohol, registered a 3.4 percent drop in beef purchases and even spent 5.1 percent less on pet food.

But there were several bright spots.

KINGSVILLE, ON -- Mastronardi Produce has announced that former Tanimura & Antle President Ken Silveira has joined the company as president of Mastronardi Produce -- West LLC. With Mr. Silveira joining the company, Mastronardi also announces the opening of a 20,000-square-foot warehouse in Salinas, CA, to begin servicing the West Coast in March.