Raw for 30 Days, a startling documentary on eating only raw foods

Excerpt from Raw Food Diet -- Extremely Healthy or Just Extreme? The newest trend in eating is a raw food only diet. How healthy is it?
by Bridget Nelson Monroe
Reader's Digest, February 2008

Severe diets are making headlines, claiming to reverse diabetes and cut heart disease risk. In the upcoming documentary Raw for 30 Days, six diabetics eat a vegan, organic diet of uncooked nuts, seeds and veggies. By the end, all have gone off insulin and most have lost about 25 pounds.

A raw-food diet consists of mostly plant-based foods that aren’t heated above 115 degrees or so. Proponents say it helps ease many conditions, from migraines to arthritis. But it’s hard-core. “And the diet leaves out a lot of foods,” says Andrea Giancoli of the American Dietetic Association. “A balanced diet includes raw and cooked foods.”

Another trendy plan: no food at all. In a study, people who fasted one day a month had lower rates of heart disease. Fasting may give a rest to cells constantly exposed to glucose. Both diets look promising but are tough to stay with. Until research confirms the findings, your best bet is a healthy, diverse diet that you can stick to for life.

For a preview of the documentary, click on this link and on the Reader's Digest page click on one of the documentary preview links on the right side of the page just under the photo of green vegetables.

Marie Simard promoted to Brooks Tropicals Controller

Marie Simard has been promoted to Controller. Having joined the firm in July of 2007 as Purchased Fruit Account Manager, Marie more recently held the Assistant Controller position.

Marie came to Brooks from A Nose for Clothes Retail Stores where she was Controller and Operations Manager. Wanting to focus more on finance and accounting, Marie accepted a position in the very large and extremely diversified accounting department here at Brooks.

“I wanted a challenge, and I got it” says Marie. “I’m learning new things everyday. It makes the job exciting.”

As if having a full-time job and being a full-time mom to three daughters isn’t enough, Marie goes to Florida International University and has been studying for her bachelor’s degree for the past five years. Having not taking a summer off since she’s started, she plans on using the momentum to start her masters in 2009.

Asked what she’d like to do once she’s graduated with her Masters’ degree, Marie didn’t hesitate. “I want to teach part-time. I find teaching very rewarding,” said Marie who then quickly added “also.”

Marie’s ability to achieve tremendous long-term goals bodes well for Brooks Tropicals’ future.

Barbara Figgins New Brooks Tropicals Office Manager

Barbara Figgins has been promoted to Office Manager at Brooks Tropicals.

Barbara -- an eight year veteran of the firm -- started as a 'temp' in the accounts payable department. Over the years she's worked in nearly every department in the financial organization.

"It's a friendly environment," says Barbara. "And it's a challenge," she's quick to add. But thankfully for Brooks, it's a challenge she loves.

"Barbara is a deserving and reliable employee," Janice Kolar, CFO points out. "She takes on any and all tasks thrown at her with a positive and determined attitude."

"I see my job as keeping everyone happy while we get the work done," says Barbara. "Diplomacy is an important skill in the job."

On a much lighter note, Barbara adds that "mechanical skills don't hurt." Being able to take apart and fix the shredder is in the plus column in the accounting department.

Construction nearing completion

Construction is nearing completion.

William Brown Joins Brooks Tropicals

From an article in The Packer, 2/11/2008

William Brown has joined the Brooks Tropicals’ team as Purchasing Manager. William brings with him solid experience in developing and implementing purchasing strategies for complex business needs, an obvious asset for Brooks Tropicals that has far flung operations spanning Southern Florida and Central America.

Heading up Brooks’ purchasing operation requires an ability to meld the ever changing needs of the business within a solid framework of policies and procedures. And it’s all got to be done with a human touch. In his previous work as SE Regional Procurement Director at Thyssenkrupp Elevator, William has demonstrated a knack for making it efficiently work for both the individual employee and the bottom line of the firm.

Jose Rossignoli named Vice President of Sales

From an article on the front page of The Packer, 2/11/2008

Jose Rossignoli, formerly Director of National Sales, has been promoted to Vice President of National Sales.

Jose’s career at Brooks Tropicals started with assisting Pal Brooks on various projects.

Jose came to Brooks Tropicals after getting his Master of Agribusiness from the University of Florida where he was highly recommended by the faculty of Food and Resource Economics.

Jose and his wife, Kelly live in Miramar, FL.

New Chief Financial Officer Announced at Brooks Tropicals

Janice Kolar has been promoted to the Chief Financial Officer position at Brooks Tropicals, LLC. Coming to the firm in 1994, Janice started as Brooks’ Grower Account Manager and has more recently held the position of Controller for the company.

“I learn something new everyday,” says Janice of her work. “Brooks Tropicals is such a diverse and innovative company that you can’t help but feel challenged. I like the challenge.”

Janice is helped in meeting this challenge with over forty employees that work in such diverse financial areas as:

• Pooled, purchased and consigned fruit inventory


• Domestic and international company grove and packing operations


• Independent grower operations and purchased fruit


• Sales to North American grocers, wholesalers and foodservice companies


• Domestic and International Taxes.
  

Before Brooks, Janice did cost accounting for a small construction company. With the birth of her son, Janice had started to look for part-time work when she realized she hadn’t been on an interview in ten years. Not knowing anything about agriculture, she applied for a job at Brooks thinking she’d at least get some interviewing practice. Apparently Janice didn’t need the practice.

Janice and her fifteen year old son live in West Kendall just north of Homestead in Miami-Dade County.