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The Creel family celebrated a wonderful New Year's gift when Mary Elizabeth Creel was born Dec. 30, 2022. She weighed seven pounds, two ounces, and was 19.5 inches long. She is the second child for Stephanie Nicole Creel, known as Nikki, and Bobby S. Creel III, known as Tripp, who live in Crozier, VA. The new baby joins big brother Parker, who is three-and-a-half years old.
During its 16 years in business, Grower Alliance has developed a reputation as a leading grower-shipper of watermelons. It is now taking another step forward in that regard with a new program out of the Dominican Republic. Michelle Ramirez-Jacobson said Grower Alliance began operations in the DR last year and just received its first load of watermelons on Jan. 23 “In fact, they are going through Customs as we speak,” she told The Produce News on Jan. 24.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture filed an administrative complaint against Vantaggio Farming Corp. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. The company, operating from California, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to two produce sellers in the amount of $1.16 million from March 2020 through November 2020.
Church Bros. Farms recently promoted Santiago Quintero to director of inbound logistics. Quintero has been with Church Bros. for almost two years as the inbound logistics and receiving manager, and has more than 15 years of experience at Taylor Farms in roles focused on quality, shipping and receiving. Quintero excelled in the role at Church Bros. and made a positive impact on the receiving department. The company said his influence has helped to unite the department and drive efficiencies for the organization.
With general and retailer registration now open and planning well under way for educational sessions and keynote presentations, Organic Produce Summit 2023 — which will be held July 12-13 in Monterey, CA — is poised to be the largest yet and will include some fresh and new activities for all participants.