LOS ANGELES, CA - In the last nine years, The Wonderful Company and its Co-Owners Lynda and Stewart Resnick have awarded nearly $7 million in funding to more than 122 nonprofits and 165 schools in the San Joaquin Valley. The philanthropy-driven company’s efforts do not stop there, as Wonderful is investing an additional $1 million, announcing that the Wonderful Central Valley Community Grants application period is now live.

“Rural communities in the Central Valley are severely underfunded and are often forgotten. This program ensures nonprofits doing the work in the communities where our employees live and work have the resources to drive meaningful change,” said Andy Anzaldo, Chief Operating Officer of Corporate Social Responsibility. “Our philosophy is to focus our company’s support, first and foremost, on the communities where our employees and their families live, and to make sure their futures are strong. These grants are part of an ongoing commitment we have and will continue to make to the Central Valley region.”

The Central Valley Community Grants program is at the center of the company’s ongoing commitment to being Wonderful Neighbors by supporting the communities its employees call home, fostering a sense of inspiration, and increasing involvement with local and regional organizations, a press release stated. These grants will directly support transformative initiatives focused on health and wellness, education, recreation, community beautification, art, and social services.

The Wonderful Company, its Co-Owners, and their foundations invest over $30 million in community development, health and wellness, and education initiatives each year.

Organizations whose proposals would impact at least one of the following nine eligible communities are encouraged to apply by August 31: Avenal, Delano, Del Rey, Firebaugh, Lost Hills, Mendota, Sanger, Shafter, and Wasco.

The 2024–2025 class of Wonderful Community Grants recipients will be announced in October 2024. Read more about this impactful funding opportunity here.

And keep reading ANUK for more of the latest industry insights.

WASHINGTON, DC - The produce world is mourning the loss of a long-time industry advocate. Duane Eaton, a longstanding senior staff executive who led the Meetings and Tradeshows team at the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), recently passed away, leaving behind a distinguished industry legacy.

“Duane was a foundational part of PMA, serving under CEOs Bob Carey and Bryan Silbermann. As PMA’s 12^th employee, Duane saw the organization through an incredible period of growth and transformation,” said Cathy Burns, Chief Executive Officer of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), as PMA is now known. “While we still see echoes of his work in today’s IFPA programs, not all his energy was member-facing. He played an integral role in helping shape organizational culture and led efforts to continually invest time and resources to develop staff talent.”

Eaton retired from PMA in 2014 following 34 years of service to the fresh produce industry. Throughout his career, he occupied a variety of roles, In addition to leading the annual convention and trade show group at PMA. At varying times, he also oversaw event strategy and logistics, housing and registration, marketing and public relations, education, the PMA Retail and Floral divisions, and later human resources, financial services, and information technology, a release stated.

As the International Fresh Produce Association shared, Eaton is remembered by colleagues for his leadership in growing the association’s programs and expositions, his unwavering dedication to his team, and his trademark sense of humor.

“Duane began his career developing PMA’s early education programs, some of which grew into PMA’s Foundation for Industry Talent,” retired PMA CEO Bryan Silbermann noted. “He also was the one who first grappled with standardized codes for produce before turning that task over to me in the 1980s. Through it all, he’s been the champion of mixing work with enjoyment and caring, with a wit that was equal parts irreverent and insightful.”

During farewell comments made to the PMA Board and past Chairs, Eaton once said, “I am proud to have been able to serve on the staff of such a great organization, representing such a wonderful industry, for such a long time. In those 34 years, I have had four bosses and three were great. Since this is World Series time, I guess a .750 batting average is pretty good.”

Eaton is survived by his wife Antoinette Eaton and daughters Mandy Eaton and Katie Shaffer (husband Mike). He will be sorely missed by many IFPA staff and volunteers who had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside him to make the global fresh produce and floral community better.

Family and friends were invited to pay their respects at the Doherty Funeral Home on July 13 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. In place of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware or Ulster Project Delaware.

Our thoughts are with all whose lives were touched by this indelible industry leader.

ISSAQUAH, WA - Costco shoppers never know what they might find in store, which is certainly part of the fun of a Costco run. As the wholesale giant reports its latest earnings for the first 44 weeks of the year, the retail industry might wonder what strategy is behind this news also being reported with an annual membership increase.

Costco is announcing an increase in annual membership fees by $5, effective September 1. According to a release, the fee will impact about 52 million members. The breakdown details:

• United States, Canada Gold Star, Business, and Business add-on memberships will rise to $65 annually
• Executive Memberships in the U.S. and Canada will increase from $120 to $130
• The maximum annual 2 percent reward associated with the Executive Membership will increase from $1,000 to $1,250

June’s retail report showed net sales of $24.48 billion, an increase of 7.4 percent from $22.78 billion last year. Net sales also increased 6.9 percent to $210.55 billion for the first 44 weeks.

Costco operates a total of 882 warehouses globally, 609 of which are in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, 108 in Canada, and 40 in Mexico.

With a notoriously loyal following, what changes might follow increased membership?

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