Thx! has hired Jay Guzman as its new vice president of growth and gratitude. Guzman will play a pivotal role in building and expanding strategic partnerships with retailers, brands and growers across Thx!'s global network in this newly created role.

Thx! is on a mission to expand its social impact program so that it may empower and help more farmworkers while fostering personal connections between them and consumers. Thx!'s innovative platform generates value for the entire supply chain, fostering enriching relationships with brands and their consumers, retailers and their shoppers, and

Jeff Smutny has joined the American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute as executive director.  With over 30 years of experience in global marketing and leading successful business operations, he has dedicated his career to improving trade associations, demonstrating a deep commitment and passion for his work.

Smutny's project management skills have led agricultural associations in various areas, including strategic planning, regulatory affairs, brand development, industry outreach, advertising and promotions, federal program compliance, category research, public relations and crisis management

Lifelong onion grower George Ray Obendorf, known as Ray by family, friends and colleagues, died Friday, June 28. Mr. Obendorf had celebrated his 101st birthday four days earlier.

Mr. Obendorf was born June 24, 1923, in Caldwell, ID, to George Bernard Obendorf and Edith Cornelia (Trout) Obendorf, and he died in the home he built in 1955, not far from his birthplace.

His life was testament to a commitment to farming and family. Following in the footsteps of his father, who farmed on the Wilder Bench until his death in 1933, Mr. Obendorf began his onion-growing career at age 14 with a single

Laura Croff, chief human resources officer of The Raley’s Cos., has retired after 22 years with the company.

Croff started with the organization as a human resources business partner and served as chief human resources officer since 2018. Croff was instrumental in Raley’s growth and expansion, including the creation of the company’s shared services model, supporting all operating divisions of The Raley’s Cos.
 
“The board and I are deeply appreciative to Laura for the positive and enduing impact she has had on us, the team, and our company,” said Keith Knopf, president and CEO of The Raley’s

Roger Collins, former chairman and CEO of Harps Food Stores, died July 1. His tenure at the company was marked by remarkable growth and success.

Mr. Collins began his illustrious career at Harps in December of 1986. At that time, the company was in dire need of a great vice president of finance, and Mr. Collins proved to be the answer to its prayers. From his initial role, he quickly became an integral part of shaping the future of Harps.

Under Mr. Collins’ guidance, Harps transitioned from being family-owned to employee-owned in 2001. Following the retirement of Gerald Harp, Mr. Collins

Pear Bureau Northwest has named CarrieAnn Arias as the organization’s new president and CEO, effective July 1.

Previously, Arias served as founder and CEO of TableSpark, vice president of marketing at Naturipe Farms and vice president of marketing at Dole Food Co., leading teams, driving market growth and cultivating strong relationships within the industry.

“I am thrilled to join the Pear Bureau and lead this incredible team,” said Arias. “Together, we will continue to build on the Bureau’s strong foundation and drive our mission of promoting pears in the U.S. and around the world. I am