The recent death of Frieda Caplan reminds me of how much has changed in the 40-plus years I have worked in the produce. It too reminds me how much we all owe to Frieda for the business we love today.

The Equitable Food Initiative has promoted Ana Luisa “Lulu” Rivera Collazo to workforce development specialist, a new position for the organization.

Ippolito International, Salinas, Calif., has added Lara Grossman and Roberto Ornelas to its sales and marketing staff.

BrightFarms, Irvington, N.Y., has promoted Abby Prior to senior vice president of sales and marketing, and Matt DiNitto as director of sales — East.

Veg-Fresh Farms, Corona, Calif., has opened a sales office in La Quinta, Calif., to handle an expanding citrus and melon. Program

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has promoted Joe Atchison III to director of its marketing and development division.

Brighter Bites, Houston, recently elected three new board members.

The Produce for Better Health Foundation has new awards to honor industry leaders, dieticians, influencers and promoters of the group’s new Have a Plant consumptions campaign.

Michel Picandet is the new executive vice president and head of Tomra Food, which designs and makes fresh produce sorting and grading equipment.

Packaging company Sev-Rend, Collinsville, Ill., has hired Art Vega as vice president of business development.