Phil Pettine, regional sales manager for Kwik Lok’s Northeast region, is retiring. Stephanie (Steph) Wyjadka will succeed him in the role.

Pettine joined Kwik Lok in 1995 as the Northeast regional sales manager, establishing a strong foundation in the Northeast market. In 2010, leveraging his adaptability to changing markets, he expanded his territory to include the mid-Atlantic region. Throughout his tenure, Pettine has consistently driven value to his customers across multiple regions, playing a crucial role in Kwik Lok’s expansion and growth.

“Phil's dedication to Kwik Lok, creative

The International Fresh Produce Association announced the incoming Class 29 of its prestigious Produce Industry Leadership Program. 

Sponsored by Corteva Agriscience, the leadership program was launched in 1995 and has graduated more than 330 program participants. Now in its 29th year, the program provides a year-long leadership journey for participants to develop career-long connections and deepen their understanding of the industry and how to lead and influence through connections, advocacy, and communications. 

Through a series of customized trips, participants will get immersed in face

Longtime retail leader and nationally recognized marketing icon Donna Tweeten has announced her retirement from Hy-Vee Inc., effective Jan. 24. In 2022, Tweeten became the first woman in Hy-Vee history to serve as the company’s president.

Tweeten has guided Hy-Vee’s brand and image strategy and helped double the size of the Iowa-based grocery chain during her tenure. Under her leadership, Hy-Vee also became the first retailer to engage in a name, image, likeness (NIL) contract with basketball star Caitlin Clark, as well as sign partnerships with Kansas City Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and

 Brenda Briggs, vice president of sales and marketing at Rice Fruit Co., has been named the 2024 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Women’s Catalyst award honoree.

This annual award honors an individual in the produce and floral industries who champions women's leadership, development, and participation by mentoring and paving the way for future generations of female leaders.

"Brenda embodies the same trailblazing spirit and dedication to mentoring women in the industry that made Frieda Caplan a legend, making her a truly deserving recipient of the IFPA 2024 Women’s Catalyst Award,” said Alex Jackson

Sunkist Growers Inc. has hired Elaine Trevino as its new vice president of government relations and sustainability. In this role, Trevino will oversee the cooperative’s government relations strategies and lead the company’s sustainability initiatives, further solidifying Sunkist’s commitment to environmental stewardship and advocacy for citrus growers.

Trevino brings more than 20 years of experience in agriculture, trade, government relations, supply chain and sustainability to her new position. Before joining Sunkist, she held senior roles at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, providing her

Church Bros. Farms announced that Tracy Carranza has joined the company as vice president of retail sales. With more than a decade of experience in the fresh produce industry, Carranza will be responsible for the growth and strategic direction of Church Bros.’ retail channel, with a primary focus on value added products. She will also manage the retail sales team, drive new product innovation and build relationships with key retailers and suppliers.

Carranza spent 10 years as a member of the sales team at Taylor Farms Retail Inc., where she served in multiple roles with increasing