Membership Registration
JUNE 2025 – MAY 2026
Behind every piece of produce are countless people who helped along the way – the skilled hands, sharp minds, and big hearts that comprise a critical industry in our country. SEPC brings these worlds together. Because together, we create a strong, vibrant industry now and for decades to come.
TOGETHER WE GROW HIGHER!
Please review the updated membership information on our website, including restructured membership tiers, and select which annual membership* best suits your company's needs. Once your current membership status is confirmed, then you'll be able to register for our events.
*Note that our annual membership period runs June through May of the following year. We do not prorate our membership fees. Contact our office if unsure of current membership status.
**All conference attendees are required to be SEPC members in order to attend any events. SEPC conferences have their own registration and fees. Exhibitors are required to maintain a corporate membership.**
Our Sponsors
SEPC sponsors are a vital part of our existence. Simply put, sponsor contributions help us bring more to the table for everyone. Like better networking and education events, fresh talent, and a broader awareness of best practices throughout our industry. And of course, when you help us promote produce, your organization will gain crucial exposure at our events and engagements throughout the year.
Together We Grow Higher!
JUNE LEVEL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
NEW SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
SEPC is now offering sponsorship opportunities exclusive to driving our educational programs that are the best in class for our industry. With different tiers available, you can contribute to the future education of our next generation of produce professionals. Visit our website to learn more about the innovative ways through which you can support the future of our industry:
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025-2026 FUTURE OF INDUSTRY SPONSORS!
HEAR YE, HEAR YE!
Prepare to embark upon a grand exploration of the freshest innovations within our industry, as we unveil a regal array of new products and cutting-edge technologies to elevate the marketplace. Join us at our esteemed annual tradeshow and conference, where we shall showcase the latest breakthroughs in the realm of fresh produce—spanning organics, groundbreaking product developments, forward-thinking technologies, and pioneering brand strategies.
Be enlightened by distinguished industry leaders during our educational sessions, tailored to help you ascend within an ever-competitive landscape. Gain invaluable, data-driven insights that will empower you to strengthen your brand and elevate your business to new heights. And, as is our tradition, indulge in the warm embrace of Southern hospitality as you mingle with peers and colleagues, fostering connections in an atmosphere of camaraderie and innovation.
👑 Royal Adventures Await 👑
Step into the Queen City and rule your Southern Innovations experience with an activity fit for royalty—happening Wednesday, September 10th! Whether you're swinging on the greens, smashing pickleballs, touring like a local, or aiming for the perfect clay shot, this is your moment to choose how you'll reign supreme. These curated adventures offer the perfect way to connect, unwind, and enjoy the royal treatment before the main events begin.
SEPC HERALDS SPEAKER LINEUP FIT FOR A QUEEN!
The following esteemed speakers shall surely stir the hearts of all, bringing forth mighty strength to SEPC’s noble endeavors:
Southern Roots Women’s Luncheon Speaker
Dr. Jaime Kulaga
Dr. Jaime Kulaga is a licensed mental health counselor & life coach, entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker, mother and wife. She is a frequent mental health expert on national TV, radio and print media for her expertise in work-life balance. Dr. Jaime has taught and worked with thousands of people empowering them to overcome barriers, discover their own greatness, and in turn, create a loving and gratifying environment for both themselves and all those in their lives. Through teaching at the university level, coaching and counseling individuals, couples, businesses and students, she educates women, men and families to make better lifestyle decisions, steer the course of their lives, and use practical tools for overall health and success. Dr. Jaime is the Author of the International book The SuperWoman’s Guide to Super Fulfillment: Step by Step Strategies to Create Work-Life Balance named one of the best work life balance books of all time according to Book Authority. Her book has been translated and published in over 30 countries. With her engaging personality, sense of humor and tone, audiences are inspired and motivated to use the content in order to enhance their lives and find overall life happiness and fulfillment.
Good Seeds MENtor Program Speaker
Justin Forsett
Justin’s personal journey is one of the best stories in the NFL. Former NFL running back Justin Forsett was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2008 and played for seven teams in nine years, including the 2014 Pro Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens. Known for his speed and agility on the field, he is now a respected leader and businessman off the field. And as an award-winning speaker, he shares his stories of sacrifice, setbacks, and success. A Florida native, Justin was determined to play in the NFL. Despite his 5'8" stature, he broke several high school records and earned a college scholarship to Cal where, as a senior, he was named to the First-team All-Pac-10 Conference. Justin retired from the NFL in 2017 and moved from the backfield to the boardroom. The company he co-founded with college teammates even appeared on ABC's Shark Tank. Although they didn’t get a deal, they used the feedback to rename, rebrand, and relaunch their company. Now known as Hustle Clean, and with Justin as CEO, this multi-million-dollar wellness company sells all-natural body wipes and personal care products online and at major retailers.
Keynote Speaker
Erik Qualman
#1 Best Selling Author and Keynote Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in 55 countries and reached 50 million people. His Socialnomics work has been on 60 Minutes to the Wall Street Journal and used by the National Guard to NASA. His book Digital Leader propelled him to be voted the 2nd Most Likeable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series. What Happens in Vegas Stays on YouTube helped Qualman be listed by Forbes and Fortune as a Top 100 Digital Influencer. His business books are used in over 200 universities, and he has received an honorary doctorate for his groundbreaking work. His latest book, The Focus Project, is a guide to pursuing less in order to achieve more. Qualman was formerly a sitting professor at Harvard & MIT’s edX labs.
SEPC’s 2025 STEP-UPP Foodservice Class Summer Tour
The Southeast Produce Council’s STEP-UPP Foodservice Class kicked off its summer tour this week, providing participants with immersive, hands-on experiences designed to deepen their understanding of the produce industry and strengthen grower partnerships. STEP-UPP—short for Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals—is SEPC’s premier educational initiative. The program equips rising retail and foodservice produce professionals with a comprehensive industry perspective through strategic learning, leadership development, and field-based training.
The tour officially began on Monday, May 12th, with a unique backstage experience at Chick-fil-A, offering participants a firsthand look into the company’s innovative operations.
On Tuesday, the group embarked on a series of insightful facility, farm, and field tours hosted by SEPC level sponsors Nickey Gregory Company, Local Bounti, and Pure Flavor.
The educational journey continued on Wednesday with additional tours courtesy of SEPC level sponsors L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms, Bland Farms, and Shuman Farms, further enriching the participants’ understanding of the produce supply chain.
The final day of the tour, Thursday, featured a visit to EarthFresh, where participants explored the company’s operations before enjoying lunch prepared by Chef Jason Hernandez. The experience wrapped up with gratitude and reflection as the group prepared to return home.
“Going on the STEP-UPP farm tour was eye-opening for our students. Seeing firsthand how much care and work goes into growing and delivering fresh produce really changed how they think about the process. Meeting the farmers, walking the fields, and learning about the supply chain from the ground up made it all real. It’s an experience they’ll carry with them through their foodservice career.”--- David Verdrager, SEPC STEP-UPP Foodservice Committee Co-Chair, RPE
“The 2025 STEP-UPP Foodservice Class is excited to embark on their summer field tours. As part of our new foodservice-focused sector of the program, these tours are a cornerstone of our commitment to developing the next generation of foodservice leaders. By connecting rising foodservice professionals with growers, shippers, and suppliers, STEP-UPP cultivates a deeper understanding of the produce supply chain and reinforces the critical role it plays in delivering quality, safety, and sustainability to the marketplace.”--- Rob Bonghi, SEPC Board Member and STEP-UPP Foodservice Committee Co-Chair, Fresh Alliance
SEPC extends heartfelt thanks to its Future of Industry sponsors—Equifruit, Fresh Alliance, Gold Coast Packing, Great Lakes Greenhouses, Nickey Gregory Company, NPC Powered by Foodbuy, RPE, Shuman Farms, Southern Valley, Square 1 Farms, and Wonderful Citrus—for their generous support.
The STEP-UPP Foodservice Class of 2025 will celebrate its graduation during Southern Innovations this September in Charlotte, North Carolina.
STEP-UPP RETAIL VIRTUAL EDUCATION DAY
"On behalf of the SEPC, the STEP UPP Program, and Gary and I, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you for your time, effort, and dedication in helping us educate the 2025 STEP UPP Class. Your presentations were absolutely fantastic, and your willingness to share your knowledge and experience is truly appreciated. Your contributions not only make a real difference to our industry but also play an essential role in mentoring and inspiring the next generation of produce leaders. The impact of your support goes far beyond today—it helps shape the future of our industry by equipping these future leaders with valuable insights and guidance. Thank you again for your passion, professionalism, and continued support. We couldn’t do this without you, and we’re so grateful to have such dedicated partners in this important mission." --- Mike Roberts, SEPC Board Ambassador and STEP-UPP Co-Chair, Harps Food Stores
THANK YOU TO OUR VIRTUAL EDUCATION DAY PRESENTERS!
APPLY NOW for one of our 2026 STEP-UPP Classes
Are you, or do you know, a retail or foodservice professional looking to develop a greater understanding of the produce industry through strategic orientation, personal leadership, and hands-on field experience? If so, we invite you to apply for the SEPC's STEP-UPP (Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals) 2026, available to both Retail and Foodservice members.
This unique program offers exceptional networking opportunities and in-depth insights into the inner workings of the supplier side of the industry. Both classes will begin in January and will offer a combination of classroom learning and field tours throughout the year long program. The year will culminate with graduation at Southern Innovations.
We are now accepting applications for both the 2026 Retail and Foodservice classes through Friday, July 11, 2025, before 5:00 pm EST. Only 10-12 students will be accepted in each class, so be sure to submit your application today!
The STEP-UPP Foodservice class targets professionals in broadline foodservice companies that provide food and non-food products to restaurants, cafeterias, industrial caterers, and hotels and also in chain foodservice companies which include restaurants, hotels, industrial caterers, cafeterias, and meal box subscription companies. Foodservice participants will attend two tours in February and May, with attendance at both Southern Exposure and Southern Innovations required.
The STEP-UPP Retail class is designed for professionals from full-service retail chains that sell food directly to consumers, such as grocery stores, convenience stores, and club stores. Participants will gain valuable industry insights through two tours in April and June. Attendance at both Southern Exposure and Southern Innovations is required.
We’ve put together a variety of educational programs to help advance your career and nurture the next generation of produce luminaries. Whether you’re brushing up on the fundamentals or keeping up with the latest innovations in the industry, your SEPC membership offers plenty of opportunity to enrich your knowledge.
RECOGNITION
Our industry is about passion. Every member of SEPC puts in extra time on the job because of the satisfaction that a better yield in crops, businesses, and relationships brings us. But there are a select few who stand out among us who unite our region through tireless effort, extraordinary instinct, and a genuine love for our industry. We’re proud to recognize them with THE UNSEEN HERO AWARD as well as the TERRY VORHEES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD and the SEPC LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP AWARD.
We are now accepting nominations for The Unseen Hero Award! If you know someone whose dedication, hard work, and contributions deserve to be recognized, we encourage you to submit a nomination.
AWARD CRITERIA:
Nominees should exemplify:
- Dedication & Commitment – A strong work ethic and long-term contributions to their role.
- Impact & Influence – Significant contributions that improve their company, team, or the industry.
- Leadership & Initiative – Going above and beyond their responsibilities.
- Collaboration & Teamwork – Supporting colleagues and fostering a positive work environment.
- Integrity & Values – Embodying the core values of SEPC and the produce industry.
How to Nominate:
- Submit your nomination by July 18, 2025 using the link below.
- Nominations must include details on the nominee’s role, impact, and why they deserve to be honored. Supporting documents such as testimonials or letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required.
Help us shine a light on the incredible individuals who make a difference every day. We look forward to celebrating these Unseen Heroes at Southern Innovations 2025.
As part of our SEPC Cares commitment to giving back, we are seeking support for our Good Seeds Buckets and Strong Roots, Strong Heart initiatives. These bags and buckets are filled with essential items for the homeless, and your support will have a meaningful impact on those in need.
In appreciation of your generosity, we will send you a copy of our new book, For the Love of Produce - Southeast Produce Council's Culture and Spirit, which features personal stories and experiences from our members.
We encourage you to join us in making a difference in our community—because Together, We Grow Higher!
Community Updates
Our Featured Charitable Partner for June is Society of St. Andrew whose partnership enables us to do our part to help feed America’s hungry. In addition to financial support as well as disaster relief donations, the SEPC is honored to work with the Society of St. Andrew to donate all leftover food from Southern Exposure and Southern Innovations each year to help those who are hungry in the Southeast.
JOIN US AT THE MACON FRESH PRODUCE DISTRIBUTION
DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME!
SEPC Cares is proud to announce details of our annual food distribution, taking place on Friday, June 13, 2025, in Macon, Georgia. In partnership with the Society of St. Andrew and Atrium Health Navicent, we are committed to improving the health of our community.
Event Details:
📍 NEW Location: Atrium Health Amphitheater, 3657 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon, GA 31206
📅 Date: Friday, June 13, 2025
This annual event is part of our ongoing mission to address food insecurity and promote wellness in underserved communities. With your support, we can continue to expand the reach and impact of this initiative.
Volunteer Opportunities: We welcome all SEPC members who wish to donate their time and energy to help distribute produce and support event logistics.
To coordinate fresh produce donations, please contact:
Kelly Stainner at florida@endhunger.org or (863)224-0472
or
Southeast Produce Council info@seproducecouncil.com or (877)720-SEPC
Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.
The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta tradition lives on at Piedmont Park, Saturday, June 7, with the family-friendly Strong4Life Superhero Sprint 5K and 1-mile fun run. Use your superpowers to walk, run, roll, sprint or fly to the finish line, and don’t miss out on all the fun before and after the race. From face painting and dancing to fresh donated produce, there’s something for everyone at Superhero Sprint.
All proceeds benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Strong4Life. At Children’s, their mission is to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow.
We invite you to join our team as we support this super benefit, and as an SEPC member, family member, employee, or co-worker, you will receive free registration and a complimentary t-shirt. Use discount code SEPC2025 to receive free registration.
Or if you aren’t up for the run, but would like to help out, we encourage you to make a donation to this worthy cause. Your tax-deductible donations go towards helping children and their families that need a little hope.
VOLUNTEER OR DONATE PRODUCT FOR THE COMMUNITY PRODUCE DRIVE
For several years, Southeast Produce Council has served as the Title Sponsor of the Strong4Life Superhero Sprint and gives away fresh, complimentary produce to event attendees.
If you are interested in volunteering at our booth, please reach out to Molly Edenfield and plan to meet us at Piedmont Park (Charles Allen Drive gate entrance in Atlanta, Georgia) around 6:00 am Saturday morning.
We also welcome product donations to pass out to attendees before, during, and after the race. Please contact Blair Greenhill to make donation arrangements prior to June 4th.
We’re thankful for the generous support and hope that you all are able to join us!
Make sure to mark your calendars for another impactful day filled with stories of hope, healing, and transformation, all to support Palmer Home’s mission of providing Christ-centered care to children navigating difficult circumstances. It’s a day that means so much, and we can’t wait to share more.
"The 32nd Annual Paul Anderson Golf Classic was a day to remember! ⛳️ From incredible shots to heartfelt moments, we are beyond grateful for the players, sponsors, and supporters who made this event possible. Your generosity directly impacts the young men at Paul Anderson Youth Home, helping them build brighter futures. Because of you, lives are being transformed! We couldn’t have asked for a better day on the course, and we look forward to seeing you next year! 💙"
PAYH ANNUAL BIKE RIDE - JUNE 21-27, 2025
🚴♂️ WHY WE RIDE 🚴♂️
Each year, the young men of the Paul Anderson Youth Home ride over 550 miles—and now, you can hear in their own words why they ride.
Their stories are powerful, personal, and rooted in a legacy that began when Paul Anderson, the World’s Strongest Man, rode his bicycle from Vidalia, Georgia to Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska to raise awareness for the Youth Home.
This tradition continues today, not just to honor Paul, but to transform lives—one mile at a time.
🎥 Watch the video: “Why We Ride”
📲 Want to support the mission?
Text “bikeride” to 71777 or visit payhbikeride.com
🚴♂️💛 A heartfelt THANK YOU to the Southeast Produce Council for being a proud sponsor of the Paul Anderson Youth Home Bike Ride! Your generous support helps us continue our mission of transforming the lives of young men through Christ-centered values, hard work, and perseverance. Together, we are making a lasting impact—one mile and one life at a time. We are truly grateful for your partnership and belief in what we do. 🙏
We wanted to share an update with you on the Orlando Health / APHC Children’s Pavilion. Below is a video showing an update on the construction and the impact of our financial contributions. The entire building is funded by philanthropy and generous donors which includes SEPC!
To learn more about SEPC Cares and how you can join the Southeast Produce Council in giving back to the community by educating others about the benefits of healthy eating and habits, click the link below.
Recipients of the SEPC Member Scholarship will each receive a scholarship of $1,500 toward their educational goals for the upcoming school year. The SEPC is proud to award 41 scholarships ($61,500) in 2025 thanks to the dedication of our members.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 SEPC MEMBER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS!
Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship was established to memorialize Jim Nolan, who took an ethical stand on a business matter at great cost to himself. As a result of his professional ethics, Nolan was ostracized by colleagues and remained isolated in his efforts to maintain moral integrity in his workplace. It would have taken only a few others with the courage to speak out to change the course of events. Tragically, Jim died before the trial that finally vindicated his actions by a judge and a jury of 13 who found in his favor. Our sincere thanks to Theresa Nolan for providing this scholarship to the members of the Southeast Produce Council. She is a lifetime member of the SEPC and is always available to lend a helping hand wherever needed.
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
One college-aged student (graduating high school senior or current college student) will receive a one-time scholarship of $5,000 to their enrolling college/university. The scholarship will be awarded based on GPA (3.0 or higher), references, and quality of essay.
The application can only be submitted online through our link which was provided beginning May 12, 2025. The application deadline is June 27, 2025 at 5pm EST.
Visit our website for more scholarship information!
Congratulations to Nicole Furukawa of Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Co. for being the first to answer our May SEPC Fruit & Veggie Trivia Question correctly!
June Trivia Question
Be the first to answer correctly and win a $25 gift card!
This fuzzy fruit packs the biggest nutritional punch of any fruit in your produce aisle -hence often being put in the super-food camp. They have twice the vitamin C of an orange, and they’re another high-potassium, low-salt alternative to bananas. They’re packed with other vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy nutrients, too.
Peaches
Rambutans
Kiwis
Apricots
Contact Us!
242 North Masonic Street | Millen, GA 30442 | 877.720.SEPC (7372) | info@seproducecouncil.com