As we celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow and begin to phase out 2018 and welcome the new year, there will be some changes also taking place here in the Western Growers Trade Practices and Commodity Services department.

With the retirement of Tom Oliveri earlier this year, the TommyO blog was renamed Produce Insights, and throughout this year it has been my pleasure to be able to lend my 42 years of experience and continue the long tradition of providing members with education about fresh produce sales transactions.  While my main focus has been on transportation and international trade issues, I have worked alongside both Matt McInerney and Tom Oliveri assisting members with PACA and DRC related issues for many years.  In fact, it is Matt McInerney who trained and provided guidance to both Tom and I over these many years.

Now after nearly 42 years at Western Growers, I will be retiring on January 4, 2019. Over the past few months you no doubt noticed that many of the Produce Insight blogs have been penned by Bryan Nickerson.  Bryan started with Western Growers in June of 2014.  Bryan has been working closely with both Matt and me and is now well prepared as the Manager of the Trade Practices and Commodity Services Department, providing you with real time guidance when issues arise over sales transactions.  With Bryan at the helm and Matt McInerney providing oversight, the Produce Insights blog and the Trade Practices and Commodity Services Department will continue providing members with expert real time advice and assistance focusing on the many needs of our Western Grower members’ sales staff.

I have much to be thankful for and I wish you and the produce industry continued success in the future, and thank you for allowing me to serve you as a team member at Western Growers.