The Ottawa-based Dispute Resolution Corp. issued an alert to its members the last week of December stating that its staff has "received an increased number of reports of fraudulent activity involving cross-border transactions."

DRC President and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Whitney said that these fraudulent firms appear to be well organized and can put up a very good front that can fool some people. He said these companies are operating "outside of the confines of DRC membership," but in other ways they appear to be legitimate.

Brooks Tropicals LLC in Homestead, FL, announced Jan. 5 that Billy Pritchett has been named vice president of operations. In his new capacity, Mr. Pritchett will manage the company's Belize operations and its Homestead packing and distribution facilities.

The Produce Marketing Association has restructured its senior management team to more closely align it with the association's new strategic plan and the expectations of its members. The restructuring began with the PMA board of directors' decision in October to add the title and responsibility of chief executive officer to PMA President Bryan Silbermann's existing charge.

Fruit Patch Sales LLC in Dinuba, CA, which hired Rick Eastes as vice president of sales and marketing in December, has announced the addition of several other people to its sales team.

William F. Consalo, a former president of Wm. Consalo & Sons Farms Inc. in Vineland, NJ, died Sunday, Jan. 4, at his home in Vineland following a bout with cancer. He was 82 years old.

Mr. Consalo was one of four sons of company founder William Consalo, who started the wholesale produce distribution firm in 1927. The other sons were Anthony, known as Andy, who died some years ago, as well as Augustus (Augie) and Vincent Sr., who both retired a few years ago.

To-Jo Mushrooms, based in Avondale, PA, has partnered with EnerNOC Inc. for Demand Response, an energy-conservation program that reduces stress on the electric power grid during periods of high demand.

Anthony D'Amico, executive vice president of To-Jo, cited environmental stewardship as a company priority and a driving force behind the decision to implement the program that conserves energy and makes a positive impact with community neighbors.