The Council Connection DECEMBER 2024

ALOHA!

We are thrilled to invite you to SEPC’s flagship conference, Southern Exposure, taking place March 6-8, 2025, at the beautiful Orlando World Center Marriott. This year, our theme is inspired by the warm and inclusive spirit of Hawaii, encapsulated in our tagline ~ PRODUCE MEANS FAMILY. Just as ohana means family in Hawaiian culture, we believe that our produce community is a family who supports and uplifts one another. This year, we are also celebrating the significance of family meals and the importance of eating together.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Engaging Educational Sessions: Gain insights from industry leaders and experts.
• Vibrant Trade Show: Explore the latest products and innovations in our expansive exhibit hall.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, partners, and professionals in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
• Hawaiian-Themed Events: Enjoy festive gatherings, delicious cuisine, and island-inspired entertainment.
• Family Meals Focus: Learn about the benefits of family meals and how they can strengthen bonds and improve well-being.

Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of our produce family - sharing knowledge, building relationships, and celebrating our collective successes over shared meals. Register now to secure your spot and be part of an unforgettable experience. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms and the spirit of aloha!

This year’s conference will encompass SEPC Chair Kristin Yerecic Scott’s platform celebrating the significance of family meals and the importance of eating together. The following guest speakers have joined SEPC's family for Southern Exposure:

FEATURED SPEAKERS

CELEBRITY KEYNOTE SPEAKER - BETHANY HAMILTON

Bethany Hamilton has become a source of inspiration to millions through her story of determination, faith, and hope. At the age of 13, Bethany lost her left arm to a 14-foot tiger shark, which seemed to end her career as a rising surf star. One month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water and within two years had won her first national title. In 2007, she realized her dream of surfing professionally and since then, her story has been told in a New York Times bestselling autobiography and in the 2011 film, Soul Surfer. Bethany is involved in numerous charitable efforts, including The Beautifully Flawed Foundation, which reaches out to amputees and youth, encouraging and offering hope to overcome through Jesus Christ. Using her platform as a professional athlete to promote living a fit and healthy lifestyle, she authored the book Body and Soul in 2014. Bethany’s latest film project, Unstoppable, a surf documentary which showcases her as one of the best women surfers in the world, released theatrically in the USA on July 12, 2019, accompanied by a photo book and a children’s book. Passionate about family and about helping young women be unstoppable in life and faith, Bethany launched the Unstoppable Living online courses in 2019, a mother-daughter mentorship program in 2022, known as the ‘Ohana Experience’, along with another children’s book called Surfing Past Fear. Her greatest joy is being a wife and mother, and she continues to touch and inspire lives globally as a professional surfer and motivational speaker.

INDUSTRY KEYNOTE SPEAKER - DAVID FIKES

David Fikes is the Executive Director of the FMI Foundation, which has the mission of supporting the food industry through a focus on research and education in the areas of food safety, health and wellbeing, and social responsibility. His position allows him to act upon his conviction that humans have a right to safe food and consumers have a right to clear information and viable choices. Formerly, David served as FMI's Vice President for Communication and Consumer/Community Relations and before joining FMI he was the Director of Communication for the American Frozen Food Institute. Prior to entering the world of food trade associations, he worked for 20 years as an Episcopal priest, serving parishes in Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas. He and his wife, Lisa, are the proud parents of thirteen-year-old Harper whose soccer skills have now far outpaced those of her father.

SOUTHERN ROOTS WOMEN'S LUNCHEON SPEAKER - DOMINIQUE DAWES

Owner of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies, Dominique opened the gyms to continue her commitment to developing a healthy and compassionate culture in the sport of gymnastics. Her first academy opened in the midst of a global pandemic, July 2020 and her second location opened in 2023. Dawes also holds minority ownership of the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League and served as the co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition under the Obama administration alongside Drew Brees. Alongside LeBron James and Maverick Carter, she recently served as Executive Producer of the Peacock docu-series “Golden”, the journey of USA’s elite gymnasts on the road to the Tokyo Olympics, which has been nominated for a Sports Emmy. Dawes holds her degree from the University of Maryland and was inducted into UMD's prestigious Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2024, her hometown of Montgomery County, Maryland will honor her career and legacy with a life size statue to continue inspiring the next generation to follow in her footsteps. As a wife, mother of four, Olympian and business owner, Dominique Dawes has transcended the world of sports, politics, entertainment and culture.

GOOD SEEDS MENTOR PROGRAM SPEAKER - JASON BROWN

A native of Henderson, NC, Jason Brown is a man of faith, a former professional athlete, and community advocate. Brown studied interpersonal communications at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill while on an athletic scholarship. His greatest accomplishment at Carolina was meeting the love of his life and wife, Dr. Tay Brown. After he graduated in 2005, he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens. As a free agent in 2009, Jason signed a five-year contract with the St. Louis Rams, served three, and was released in March 2012. With several lucrative offers on the table from the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and the San Francisco 49ers, Jason decided instead to take a leap of faith and walk away from the NFL. After his departure from the NFL, Jason moved back to North Carolina and purchased a 1,000-acre farm in Louisburg. The farm has hosted several community events and collaborated with many faith and service organizations. The farm has yielded one million lbs of produce which were given to food pantries and churches throughout the Triangle area. Thousands of volunteers have lent helping hands in gleaning and harvest events. In his work through Wisdom for Life Ministries and First Fruit Farm, Jason and his wife, Tay, are demonstrating how to live a life of purpose. Jason serves as a great example of community service through agriculture.

BRIGHT IDEAS FRESH ARRIVALS

Feature your new products within our Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals showcase!

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR SHOWCASE

• As you register for Southern Exposure, select Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals as one of your sessions.
• Once you register, you’ll receive a submission link via email for your showcase information.
• Submit your information for your Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals showcase through the submission link by Friday, December 13, 2024 to be included in our conference directory.
• Cases are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited.
• You must include one (1) high-resolution image of your product as well as a detailed description (50 words or less).
• Once you register, you will receive an invoice for your showcase.

SHOWCASE INFORMATION

• Price: $500
• Case Dimensions: 37” W x 13” H x 25.5" D
• Space is limited to one (1) case per member company (unless approved by the SEPC)
• All shelves include lighting
• Cases will be locked before and during the exposition
• Display items must not adhere to the case itself
• You will be able to access the case during listed Exhibitor Booth Setup hours
• Final date to receive a refund - January 3, 2025

INNOVATION STATIONS

Our Innovation Stations are also back by popular demand in which one (1) of your team members may highlight a new product, product line, or service during our Southern Exposure Expo.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR INNOVATION STATION APPLICATION

• Submit your application for an Innovation Station through the link below by Friday, December 13, 2024.
• Stations are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited.
• Priority will be given to waitlisted companies who meet the criteria as well as companies who are interested in joining the SEPC.
• You must include your logo, one (1) high-resolution image of your product (or product family), as well as a detailed description (50 words or less).
• You will be notified via email on Friday, December 13th, regarding your application.
• If approved, you will then receive an invoice for your Innovation Station.

Price: $1,995*

*Does not include individual/group registration fees; individual registration purchase required; additional associates would need to purchase additional individual registrations; Final date to receive a refund - January 3, 2025

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Company must be a member in good standing of Southeast Produce Council.
• Company is not currently exhibiting at Southern Exposure (unless prior SEPC approval).
• New product, product line, or family of items must not exceed 4 individual SKUs.
• New product must have been presented to market since September of 2024 or will be launched before July of 2025. (Verification required)

GUIDELINES

• Space is limited to one (1) Innovation Station per member company.
• One company member allowed in station at a time. (Individual registration required. Additional associates would also need to purchase individual registrations or register as part of a group registration.)
• No additional signage, banners, display racks, etc. will be allowed; you must remain within the space limits of your station!
• Sampling is permitted per convention center policies (see exhibitor kit).
• One (1) stool will be provided at each station.
• Storage space is available within the desk area of the station. All items/branding must be contained within the confines of the Innovation Station desk.
• Innovation Station setup during listed Exhibitor Setup hours.
• Innovation Stations are branded with the conference theme; submitted company logo will be included on the face of the desk (within the white area as pictured below)

Short for “Learning, Interacting and Networking with Key players in the Supply chain,” LINKS is an educational leadership program where exceptional Southeastern growers and shippers can connect with Retail/Foodservice providers in the region in a non-competitive environment. By enhancing each side’s understanding of the retail supply chain, we can facilitate our mutual goals to better service consumers and drive Southeastern produce consumption. The SEPC will provide a meeting space at Southern Exposure to participating Retail/Foodservice members who facilitate the program with invited Growers and Shippers.

LINKS Reservations for SEPC Retail/Foodservice Members*

Please submit through the link below by February 3, 2025 to request your LINKS meeting space during Southern Exposure.

*LINKS Meeting Reservations must be submitted/approved through SEPC. Requests will be accommodated as they are received, and we will do our best to coordinate your space needs with what is available.

DIGITAL TOOLKIT

Roots on the Road

Some of the ladies of Southern Roots met up at Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta, GA recently to lend a hand packing over 1200 bags for the local Backpack Program. The Backpack Program provides school-aged children in need with a bag full of healthy food and snacks each Friday so that they have enough to eat over the weekend. The Southern Roots ladies have been looking for ways to connect between industry events and what better way to do that than by coming together to give back to our local communities.

Community Updates

Southeast Produce Council is proud to support these impactful organizations, and we hope you’ll join us this #GivingTuesday, December 3rd, in supporting their missions.

If you feel so led to make a contribution, each of our charitable partners would greatly appreciate your donation.

Since 2009, Crop Drop volunteers have sorted, bagged and distributed hundreds of thousands of pounds of unsold produce to feed families in need. Each November, volunteers parse more than 110,000 pounds of produce into family-size bags that are then loaded into the backs of agency vehicles to be transported to food pantries, homeless shelters, and church dispensaries across the panhandle. More than 50 agencies from across Walton, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties collect and distribute bagged produce from Crop Drop that help feed an estimated 6,000 families (24,000 individuals) each year.

Once again, SEPC Cares teamed up with Society of St Andrew to send a truckload of assorted produce to this annual Thanksgiving distribution.