The California Raisin Marketing Board has hired three staffers -- Gary Schulz, president; Rick O'Fallon, marketing director; and Cookie Fritz, administrative assistant.

"We are delighted to welcome Gary, Rick and Cookie to the CRMB team," said Larry Blagg, the board's senior vice president of marketing. "Under Gary's leadership and with each of their experience and support, we look forward to the continued success and innovation of CRMB marketing programs."

The Fresno-based marketing board represents nearly 3,000 growers of California raisins.

Schulz brings more than 25 years of agriculture business experience to his new position. He was general manager of the International Agri-Center for more than 15 years, managing the world's largest agricultural trade show, World Ag Expo, which is Feb. 10-12.

Most recently, Schulz has managed his own consulting firm and served as program director for the Central Valley Business Incubator, where he recruited and coached entrepreneurial companies.