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!
NOVEMBER 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!
🎶 HEE-HAW HOWDY, FOLKS! 🎶
Put on yer boots and grab yer best hat — it's time to gather for the rootin’-tootin’est retail roundup this side of the Mississippi!
Join us February 26 – March 1, 2026 for the premier retail-focused tradeshow and conference, specially crafted for all y’all workin’ in both the conventional and organic sides of the industry.
🌽 WHAT’S IN STORE, YOU ASK?🌽
A barnful o’ top-notch exhibitors from the Southeast and beyond
Sage advice from leadin’ voices in the biz
Retail know-how for both the storefront and the interwebs
Good ol’-fashioned networkin’ opportunities
And a heapin’ helpin’ of live entertainment to boot!
So hitch up the wagon, round up the team, and mosey on down to the Southeast’s can’t-miss hoedown of the year!
📅 Mark them calendars: February 26 – March 1, 2026
📍 Location: Orlando World Center Marriott
🪕 Don’t dilly-dally — click below to register and claim yer spot today!
We’ll be hollerin’, learnin’, and two-steppin’ our way through a mighty fine time — and we sure hope to see y’all there!
🚨 BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND 🚨
Our Innovation Stations are returning to Southern Exposure — and this is your team’s chance to shine! 🌟
Got a groundbreaking product, fresh new line, or innovative service? 🎯 One (1) team member can showcase it live on the expo floor!
🧪 Submit your application by Friday, Dec. 12, 2025
📍 Space is limited – first come, first served!
✅ Priority given to waitlisted companies & SEPC prospects; Applications can only be approved for two consecutive years.
✅ Must include your logo, 1 high-res image, and 50-word description
💲 $1,995 (registration not included)
🚫 Max 4 SKUs
🚫 Not for current exhibitors (unless pre-approved)
📆 Refund deadline: Jan. 2, 2026
Let your innovation do the talking — From Fields to Families: Nourishing Our Nation 🌾
💡✨ Got Something New? Let’s Showcase It! ✨💡
The SEPC is excited to feature your latest innovations in our Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals showcase during Southern Exposure 2026! 🌱
🔍 How to Participate:
✅ Select Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals when registering
✅ Submit your product info via the link emailed after registration
✅ Include a high-res image + 50-word description
📅 Deadline: Friday, December 12, 2025
💵 Showcase Fee: $500
📦 Case Size: 37"W x 13"H x 25.5"D
⚠️ Space is limited and first-come, first-served — reserve your spot today!
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to shine a spotlight on your newest products in front of key industry leaders and buyers.
Get to know the newest class of our Next Generation Leadership Academy!
In its third year, the NGLA has become a signature SEPC initiative, designed to cultivate the next wave of leaders who will guide the produce industry with courage, character, and connection. With sessions planned throughout the year focusing on personal leadership development, industry innovation, and strategic thinking, the program builds toward graduation at SEPC’s Southern Exposure conference in Spring 2026.
Do you or your organization have a potential candidate for an upcoming class of our Next Generation Leadership Academy?
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
This month, we’re proud to highlight Paul Anderson Youth Home, a Christ-centered, fully licensed, and accredited organization that has been offering young men a second chance at life since 1961.
Dedicated to transforming lives, Paul Anderson Youth Home provides a safe and supportive environment where troubled young men from across the country can rebuild their lives through a powerful process of recovery, restoration, and redemption.
🤝 Through our partnership, SEPC proudly supports their initiatives such as:
🌱 The Goodness Garden
🚜 Ag Business Classes
🚴 Annual Bike Ride
⛳ Annual Golf Tournament
Together, we’re helping to plant seeds of hope and opportunity for young men and their families.
🌱HOPE GROWS HERE🌱
Thanks to generous support from the Southeast Produce Council, the Hope Grows Garden at Palmer Home helps their campus serve as a restorative environment for children and families in need of hope and healing.
"While many of us celebrate with family, meals, and gifts, some children long for the simple joy of belonging. At Palmer Home, we believe every child deserves the wonder of Christmas—through the warmth of a safe home and the joy of being deeply loved. Your gift makes that possible. This season, you’re giving more than presents—you’re giving the gift of home, healing and hope."
SAVE THE DATE: 2025 HOLIDAY PARTY
Date: Dec 5, 2025
Location: Howard Phillips Center
Each holiday season, the Central Florida community donates hundreds of toys to OH/APHC. The annual holiday party is a fun community event for patients, children and families
The Phillips-Howard Center for Children & Families is APHC's social outreach partner for local children and families in need.
🥕 SEPC Cares + Society of St. Andrew = Feeding Families This Thanksgiving! 🥦
Once again, SEPC Cares is teaming up with the Society of St. Andrew to send a truckload of fresh, assorted produce to support the annual Crop Drop Thanksgiving distribution — helping feed thousands of families across the Florida Panhandle. 💚
🍎 Want to make a difference?
You can donate a pallet (or two!) of fresh produce by November 14th:
- 📩 Jose Roggiero – Freshway Produce
- 📧 jose@freshwayusa.com
- | 📞 305-431-1300
- 📩 Kelly Stainner – Society of St. Andrew
- 📧 florida@endhunger.org
- | 📞 863-224-0472
🚚 Drop-off by November 18th at one of these partner locations:
- Mack Farms – Lake Wales, FL (Matt Burman, 407-334-4435)
- Genuine Georgia – Tifton, GA (Duke Lane, 478-952-9000)
- Nickey Gregory Company – Forest Park, GA (Andrew Scott, 404-449-1057)
- Freshway Produce – Miami, FL (Jose Roggiero, 305-431-1300)
🙌 Prefer to volunteer?
Join us on November 22nd at Destin Methodist Church (200 Beach Dr.) — volunteers must check in by 7:30 AM.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to our SEPC members and volunteers for your continued generosity and compassion. Together, we’re helping ensure that every family has food on the table this Thanksgiving. 🧡
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.
The Vorhees Vision Scholarship was created to reward the achievements of young individuals who demonstrate a true entrepreneurial spirit in their lives as they pursue their educational goals.
This scholarship is named in honor of the late Terry L. Vorhees, founder and first Executive Director of the Southeast Produce Council. Because of his vision and efforts, the Southeast Produce Council became and remains one of the best resources in the produce industry today.
DETAILS
One college-aged student (graduating high school senior or current college student) will receive a one-time scholarship of $10,000 to their enrolling college/university. The 2nd place recipient will receive $1,500, and the 3rd place recipient will receive $1,000.
The application can only be submitted online through our link which will be provided beginning November 24, 2025. The application deadline is January 9, 2026 at 5pm EST.
Visit our website for more scholarship information!
Congratulations to Michael Howe of Foodbuy for being the first to answer our October SEPC Fruit & Veggie Trivia Question correctly!
NOVEMber Trivia Question
Be the first to answer correctly and win a $25 gift card!
Which vegetable was the first to be grown in space aboard the International Space Station? 🚀
Lettuce 🥬
Tomato 🍅
Potato 🥔
Carrot 🥕
Our office will be closed November 27th & 28th in observance of Thanksgiving.
Contact Us!
242 North Masonic Street | Millen, GA 30442 | 877.720.SEPC (7372) | info@seproducecouncil.com