Riveridge Produce Marketing Expands Staff As Apple Season Ramps Up

SPARTA, Mich. – Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc. started the past year with a 25 year anniversary and they continue to build momentum in 2015 by adding seasoned produce veterans and industry newcomers with extensive subject matter expertise to nearly every department at the corporate office.

“While many things have changed making us more efficient over our 25-year history, like technology, varieties and planting techniques, the heart of our business has remained consistent. As we grow and expand, it is important that we are just as accessible and knowledgeable as when we first started,” said Don Armock, Riveridge President. “The expanded team helps us continue our mission to provide first-class service to our customers and be a fully-engaged partner to our growers and packers.”

Sales Team

The Riveridge sales team added three members to its staff in recent weeks. Tom Curtis is a new Account Manager with apples in his blood. Tom has more than 25 years in the apple business including stints at VanSingel Farms Produce Marketing and All Fresh GPS. His vast produce knowledge compliments the established team.

Trish Taylor also joins as an Account Manager with a marketing communications focus. Trish’s background is grounded in public relations, social media and integrated marketing. Her career has included promoting Whirlpool, Maytag, BISSELL and National Dairy Council. Her role will include sales as well as communication through retailer and consumer touchpoints such as social media.

New Sales Assistant, Jackie Dyer, joins from NUK USA and previously Gerber Products Company.  Jackie brings more than 20 years supporting diverse sales and customer support in various positions. She will be integral in providing assistance to the sales team ensuring orders are seamless and staying ahead of anticipated changes.

Logistics & Quality

As regulations change and flex, Aaron Debski has a crucial role as Food Safety Manager and Quality Assurance. He spent more than a decade at Jack Brown Produce in multiple roles including shipping and receiving and managing the packing line. The addition of Aaron adds to Riveridge’s goal to diversify employees’ skillsets to learn and grow the business.

After a stint with Riveridge last apple harvest, Jeremy Butler returns full time as a Logistics/Sales Support Assistant. Jeremy’s background in quality control, manufacturing and logistics makes him an ideal utility team member. He will be part of the roster ensuring trucks are scheduled and compliant.

HR & Accounting

Sydney Grove joined as the Assistant Director of Accounting. She was previously an Accounting and Human Resources Manager at Intex Technologies. Sydney’s corporate accounting background will be a tremendous benefit as Riveridge continues to scale up.

Jenna Kimball started with Riveridge last fall as an accounting clerk and was recently promoted to an Accounting and Human Resources Assistant.  As Riveridge grows, and as HR needs change, Jenna will fill a very vital role to meet those needs.

About Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc.

Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc. is a vertically-integrated apple grower/packer/shipper/marketer headquartered in Sparta, Michigan, a unique growing region in West Michigan in part due to the elevation, proximity to Lake Michigan and ideal soil conditions. The company represents nearly 40 percent of Michigan’s fresh apple crop and is leading the way in food safety, new orchard technology and innovation in sales and marketing.

Source: Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc.