California Grape Commission Mourns Karen Hearn
Source: LinkedIn
The California Table Grape Commission is deeply saddened to share that Karen Hearn, vice president of marketing, passed away on Nov. 24 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Hearn dedicated nearly 26 years of service to the California table grape industry, playing a pivotal role in the growth of innovative retail programs in the U.S. and Canada, helping to move California grape volume season after season. Her steadfast dedication to the industry stemmed from a lifelong desire to help farmers succeed.
“Karen was a special person,” said Kathleen Nave, commission president. “She loved her work; loved representing growers and knowing that actions she took helped move the crop; loved partnering with retailers to figure out new ways to motivate more sales; loved working as part of a team and helping lead that team. Her work ethic, which even illness could not conquer, was based on her unwavering belief in the value of the work and was matched only by her exceptional grace and kindness.”
Raised on a family farm in South Texas, Hearn developed a deep appreciation for agriculture from an early age. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Journalism from Texas A&M University, she devoted her career to supporting farmers and promoting agricultural products. Before joining the California Table Grape Commission, Hearn served as marketing director for TexaSweet Citrus Advertising, implementing retail programs across the U.S. and Canada.
Hearn’s table grape legacy lives on through her daughter Kathryn Hearn who joined the commission as a marketing manager earlier this year. “It’s a testament to Karen’s passion for this industry and the work she did that her daughter followed in her footsteps,” Nave said. “We all learned so much from Karen. Her grace, determination, generosity, and warmth made a lasting impact on those whose lives she touched.”
Heartfelt condolences to Karen’s husband Michael, stepson Sam, Kathryn, and her extended family.
Oscar Mayer Brings Back Iconic ‘Bologna Song’
In 1974, Oscar Mayer aired “The Bologna song” commercial for the first time, capturing the American zeitgeist and teaching people coast to coast how to spell B-O-L-O-G-N-A. Now, 50 years later, Oscar Mayer re-introduces the world to the iconic ad, the longest running jingle in advertising history, all while rewarding fans who sing along.
Complete with the same 1970s camera quality and original lyrics for fans to sing loud and proud, Oscar Mayer re-aired “The Bologna song” original commercial to millions nationwide during the big Thanksgiving football game last week. To delight those who grew up loving the jingle and those who may have seen it for the first time, Oscar Mayer is commemorating the song’s anniversary with the debut of “Sing To Pay”—giving fans nationwide who correctly sing its lyrics the opportunity to cash in on free groceries, including delicious Oscar Mayer Bologna.
“50 years ago, we introduced the world to ‘The Bologna song,’ as a way to spotlight our delicious deli meats and cement the brand’s legacy and mantra of uniting millions around a love of meat,” said Shelby Max, brand manager for Oscar Mayer. “We knew this anniversary was a moment that needed to be celebrated in a big way, both for those who remember and those that are new. By re-airing the original ad and becoming the first brand to accept singing as a form of payment, we want to remind fans everywhere that bologna has a first name – it’s O-S-C-A-R.”
Now through Sunday, Dec. 15, fans can submit an audio recording correctly singing “The Bologna song” lyrics to SingtoPay.com and could receive an Instacart credit to use on Oscar Mayer Bologna and any other groceries, while supplies last. Any and all singing abilities welcome!
The fun doesn’t stop there – fans in select cities nationwide can warm up their vocal cords because the iconic Wienermobile is bringing “Sing to Pay” to fans in real life. Lucky individuals who spot the 27-foot hot dog on wheels now through Sunday, Dec. 15 can sing “The Bologna song” lyrics to the vehicle’s Hotdoggers and if correct, receive free Oscar Mayer Bologna.
To learn more about the history of “The Bologna song” and all about “Sing to Pay,” visit SingtoPay.com and follow @OscarMayer on Instagram and TikTok.
We are driving transformation at The Kraft Heinz Company, inspired by our Purpose, Let’s Make Life Delicious. Consumers are at the center of everything we do. With 2023 net sales of approximately $27 billion, we are committed to growing our iconic and emerging food and beverage brands on a global scale. We leverage our scale and agility to unleash the full power of Kraft Heinz across a portfolio of eight consumer-driven product platforms. As global citizens, we’re dedicated to making a sustainable, ethical impact while helping feed the world in healthy, responsible ways. Learn more about our journey by visiting www.kraftheinzcompany.com or following us on LinkedIn.
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Naturally Network Welcomes Seattle to Its Fold
Naturally Network, the premier natural products trade association, announced the launch of its newest chapter: Naturally Seattle. This addition will further Naturally Network’s mission to empower innovative businesses, champion environmental stewardship and foster the economic viability of the region’s natural products community.Naturally Seattle will connect and cultivate the local natural products ecosystem, giving established and emerging brands, retailers, and service providers access to the resources they need to thrive. The chapter will serve as a hub for education, collaboration, and relationship-building, helping businesses and individuals navigate the evolving CPG landscape.
Diana Fryc, chair of Naturally Seattle and partner at Retail Voodoo, a local branding and design agency, shared her vision for the chapter.
“Seattle has long been home to a unique community of innovative brands and forward-thinking leaders. Naturally Seattle is committed to leveraging these local strengths to support the next generation of natural products entrepreneurs. Our goal is to create a platform where businesses can come together, access vital resources, and grow not just locally, but on a national stage. We are thrilled to launch this chapter and look forward to the incredible opportunities it will bring to our community.”
Noah Smith, vice chair of Naturally Seattle and grocery merchandiser at PCC Community Markets, expressed his enthusiasm.
“I’m thrilled to see Naturally Seattle come to life! Our chapter will connect and foster community, providing members with the resources they need to grow and thrive. This is an exciting time for our region, and we look forward to elevating local businesses and celebrating Seattle as a hub of innovation and success in the natural products industry.”
Naturally Seattle’s founding partners are The Non-GMO Project, Moss Adams and Davis Wright Tremaine. Additional sponsors include PCC Community Markets, Taylor Shellfish, nutpods, Good Now Foods, Tony’s Coffee, Parker Smith & Feek, Fidalgo Bay Coffee and A.E. Global. The group will host an event in December to kick off its programming, offering members and prospective businesses the chance to connect, share ideas, and learn more about what the chapter has to offer. More information on the launch and upcoming events is available at www.naturallyseattle.com.
Naturally Network is a national trade association and an agent of change representing and serving ten regional chapters across the U.S. Its mission is to harness, accelerate and elevate the power and impact of conscious business practices in the natural and organic products industry through community-based and relevant educational programming, networking events and mentoring initiatives that support a more diverse and representative industry. Founded more than 17 years ago in Boulder, Colo. as a regional hub for natural and organic industry entrepreneurs and businesses, Naturally Network was founded to serve the need across the U.S. to support passionate and committed entrepreneurs and their businesses’ success on a national level, and now includes in Austin, Boulder, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minnesota, New York, New England, Bay Area, and Wisconsin. Learn more at https://www.naturallynetwork.org/.
Naturally Seattle is a regional trade association serving the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on empowering natural and better-for-you brands. Naturally Seattle connects entrepreneurs, investors, retailers, and industry experts to foster a thriving local food and wellness community. Through educational programs, networking events, and collaboration opportunities, the chapter provides the resources and support necessary for businesses to scale and succeed. With a commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, Naturally Seattle aims to elevate the region’s role in the national natural products industry. Learn more at www.naturallyseattle.org.
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