Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/215151
GOOD JOB Industry Columbia Fresh honored people C olumbia Fresh Produce, Inc., a fresh fruit and vegetable shipper based in Walla Walla, Washington, was one of five companies that received a Medallion Award this fall from the Washington Secretary of State in recognition of their civic engagement and commitment to giving back to the community. Columbia Fresh, which has just six staff, was honored alongside Weyerhaeuser, IKEA, Town Auto Group, and McClain Insurance Services. Columbia Fresh has partnered financially with the Salvation Army in a pilot program to build a new community food bank in Walla Walla that will have a free-choice pantry, where clients can choose items in a grocery-storelike setting, and a demonstration kitchen, where they can learn about nutrition and basic cooking skills. Dewight Hall, chief executive officer of Columbia Fresh, founded the business 11 years ago, selling Washington apples. The company now ships all types of fresh produce from across the country and has expanded to include a cherry growing operation and a trucking business. in the news. Maria Fernandez Good Fruit Grower adds staff M aria Fernandez and T.J. Mullinax have joined Good Fruit Grower magazine as Circulation Manager and Digital Producer, respectively, Managing Editor Casey Corr has announced. Fernandez will lead the magazine's marketing and subscription fulfillment initiatives for print and online platforms. Mullinax will oversee the creation and management of editorial content and advertising services for the magazine's Web site (www.goodfruit.com) and other digital platforms. Fernandez, a native of Grandview, Washington, holds a bachelor's degree from Heritage University and a master of business administration from City University. Mullinax, formerly a news producer with the Yakima Herald-Republic, is a native of Selah, Washington, and an alumnus of Washington State University. Fernandez succeeds Steve Call, who retired after eight years of service. Mullinax assumes a newly created position. T.J. Mullinax It's all around us — from the best varieties to the highest quality rootstocks. With almost 40 years of experience, at ProTree Nursery, LLC, we grow some of the heartiest trees you can buy. As one of the leading suppliers of apple and cherry trees to orchard growers, our customers have come to depend on our quality. You can too. For a price quote or to inquire about specific varieties, call ProTree Nursery, LLC today. ® ® (USPP 16,624 P2) (USPP 10,115) (USPP 7526) ® ™ (USPP 7997) ™ (USPP applied for) (USPP 7197) ™ (USPP 19,007 McLaughlin cv) ™ ® (USPP 11,193) (USPP 11,992) ™ (USPP 10,016) Buckeye® (USPP 20,590) ® (USPP 10,840) ® ™ (USPP applied for) (USPP 12,900) (USPP 21,300) ™ ® (serial 74/458,730) ® (USPP 16,620) Ultima (USPP 13,753 P2) Zestar!™ (USPP 11,367) (USPP 9681) Donna Kay Walker, 1944—2013 D onna Kay Walker was such an influential presence at Good Fruit Grower that years after her retirement, whenever a problem was being discussed, people would say, "Well, when Donna was here…." That's because when Donna Walker did things, she did them right. For 21 years, Donna served the grower community, the magazine, and the Washington State Fruit Commission as page and advertisement designer. She was meticulous, patient with others, highly organized, reliable, and funny, cracking jokes with a unique vocabulary. A native of Selah, Washington, Donna passed away on November 1 after a brief battle with cancer. These apple varieties are available on B-10, B-118, EMLA-7, EMLA-26, EMLA-106, EMLA-111, G-11, G-16, G-30, M-9 337T, NIC®-29, or Supporter 4. ™ ™ ™ ™ ® ™ ® ™ ™ ™ ® ® Available on Colt, Gisela®, Krymsk®, Mahaleb, or Mazzard.* *Not all varieties are available on all rootstocks. Call for specific grafting information. Terrance Schneider, 1940—2013 O n October 18, the Northwest Cherry Growers lost dear friend and regional representative Terrance Schneider, of Lake Ozark, Missouri. Terry gave nearly 50 years to the food industry. He worked for 28 years at the Carnation/Nestlé Company, retiring as regional manager in 1991. Not content sitting still, in 1994 he began working part-time for the Northwest Cherry Growers and Washington State Fruit Commission as their South Central and Midwest marketing representative. His contributions to cherry and stone fruit marketing, both within his territory and across the country through his insights, ideas, and mentoring will be missed. To the end, Terry maintained an active life filled with service to his community. He loved spending time with his family, including his wife and travel partner of 51 years, Pat. www.goodfruit.com 10500 Brentwood Blvd., Brentwood, CA 94513 800.634.1671 or 925.634.2191 (Alison Clegg or Richard Chavez) 877.457.6901 (Henry Sanguinetti) Fax 925.634.6040 www.protreenursery.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER DECEMBER 2013 9