Collaboration

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. expanded its business with minority- and women-owned companies by over 25 percent in 2008, according to figured released by the company and verified by third-party enterprise supplier management company CVM Solutions.

The executive committees of both the National Retail Federation (NRF) and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) have unanimously agreed in principle to a merger that will result in single trade association representing retail interests in Washington.

The C.H. Robinson (CHR) Worldwide Foundation, the nonprofit foundation arm of produce and logistics industry leader C.H. Robinson Worldwide, has stepped up to support the Produce Marketing Association Foundation for Industry Talent (PMA FIT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing future talent for the produce industry.

Blackwood, N.J.-based Honeywell launched an independent software vendor (ISV) partner program to aid in the development and promotion of software operating in conjunction with the full line of Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (HSM) products.

Stater Bros. Markets, yesterday agreed to sell Santee Dairies to dairy Dean Foods due to its limited product growth opportunities as a Stater subsidiary.

Ray Gilmer, former director of communications and public affairs at the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA), has joined United Fresh Produce Association (United Fresh) as its new VP/communications.

Nicholas D'Agostino III, president and COO of D'Agostino Supermarkets, will be one of the high-profile participants in an April 23 event held by Animal Welfare Approved and Alfred State College to unite New York City chefs and food purveyors with local farmers and agricultural experts to plan a supply chain from western New York state farms to the New York City market.

Marsh Supermarkets is lending its support to a local family-owned bread and bakery supplier’s effort to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation as a part of its annual Aunt’s Day campaign.