Membership Registration
June 2024 ~ May 2025
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 create a strong, vibrant industry now and for decades to come.
Together We Grow Higher!
MARCH 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:
Know Before You Go!
Convention Center Information
Orlando World Center Marriott, 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821
Don’t forget to use our hashtag - #SEPCSouthernExposure
Exhibitor and Attendee Etiquette
- Exhibitors and non-exhibiting attendees shall not congregate or solicit trade in doorways or aisles.
- Conduct of exhibitors and attendees shall be professional and courteous at all times.
- Exhibitors and non-exhibiting attendees may not enter the exhibit space of another exhibitor without express permission. If admission has been granted, exhibitors shall be courteous and move aside when the host exhibitor is showing merchandise to prospective buyers.
- Under no circumstances shall an exhibitor or non-exhibiting attendees interrupt another exhibitor showing merchandise to a prospective buyer.
- Exhibitors or non-exhibiting attendees may not have models, signs, or other solicitation devices outside assigned exhibit space or in aisles.
- Booth splitting is prohibited; only 1 company will be recognized within each booth.
- All endcap booths must leave their 3’ siderail up during the duration of the event.
- No furniture, product or packing materials may be left in the aisle during show hours.
- No exhibit will be permitted which, in the view of Show Management, is offensive or poses a danger or potential danger to exhibitors or buyers.
- Exhibitors or non-exhibiting attendees must keep their badge on at all times.
- Badge swapping is prohibited.
If any company is found in violation, they will lose their right to exhibit and attend the conference.
Overall conference attire is business casual. Use this guide to help decide what to wear throughout the week (also available in the conference app).
- Tom Page Golf Classic (Thursday, 3/6): Golf attire
- Educational Sessions, Good Seeds MENtor Program, & Southern Roots Luncheon (Friday, 3/7): Business casual
- Opening Gala (Friday, 3/7): Family-friendly, Hawaiian-themed attire or resort casual
- Keynote Luncheon & Expo (Saturday, 3/8): Business casual
- Closing Reception (Saturday, 3/8): Business casual
- Al Finch Memorial Prayer Breakfast (Sunday, 3/9): Business casual
Who’s Attending?
You can access the attendee list by logging in to your registration and selecting “Attendees” within the post registration menu dropdown.
*Please note that any external company solicitation has not been approved by the SEPC.
Produce Donations
The SEPC is proud to donate all leftover produce from Southern Exposure to Society of St. Andrew. A Society of St. Andrew representative will be dropping stickers off to each booth during the expo. If your company is interested in donating leftover product, please attach the stickers to your donations and leave them in your booth after the expo. If you have any questions, please stop by the Society of St. Andrew table in the expo hall.
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.
EDUCATIONAL SESSION I - THE CHEF JEFF PROJECT: CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE POWER OF FOOD
Chef Jeff Henderson is an award-winning chef, The New York Times bestselling author, philanthropist, television personality, and sought-after speaker on personal and professional development. Jeff started his culinary career in the unlikeliest of places: prison. While serving nearly ten years, he discovered an untapped passion for cooking, which led to executive chef positions at Bellagio and Caesars Palace. Jeff's inspiring story was featured on Oprah's Life Class, Good Morning America, Today Show, ABC World News Tonight, CNN, The Steve Harvey Show, and in major publications such as The New York Times, Newsweek, USA Today, People Magazine, the Washington Post, and many others. When Jeff is not traveling the world teaching his life-changing lessons, he's helping youth who have been in prison, foster care, or struggling socially and economically through his nonprofit, The Chef Jeff Project, a culinary and leadership training program. Jeff resides in Las Vegas with his wife, Stacy, and their five children.
EDUCATIONAL SESSION II: THE POWER OF PRODUCE 2025
Moderator Rick Stein, Vice President of Fresh Foods | FMI
Rick Stein joined FMI in 2014, and is responsible for developing a portfolio of services and activities to assist members in formulating and executing their fresh food strategies. These categories include everything from – dairy, frozen, meat, poultry, seafood, and produce to service departments – deli, bakery and fresh prepared meals and related solutions for take-out or in-store dining. Prior to joining FMI, Rick spent 30 + years in a wide range of retail grocery merchandising and marketing responsibilities. Most recently Stein was the Vice President of retail Merchandising/Marketing execution for Safeway Stores, Inc. Previously he held both divisional and corporate responsibilities in his tenure at Safeway in retail/store operations, category management, sales, sourcing, strategy, and marketing/merchandising. He has experience in virtually every facet of the retail food business and helped lead Safeway to achieve operational excellence and increased market share and revenues. Stein graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral and Social Sciences. He has earned continuing educations credits in marketing, merchandising and management, most recently with the Disney Leadership Institute. Rick serves on numerous nonprofit boards such as the Children’s Cancer Foundation and Easter Seals of DC/VA/MD.
Data Guru: Anne-Marie Roerink, President | 210 Analytics, LLC
Anne-Marie Roerink is the President of 210 Analytics, LLC. Working closely with retailers, wholesalers, grower/shippers and trade associations, Anne-Marie has developed an excellent perspective on the ever-changing wants and needs of the produce consumer in a one-size-fits-no-one world. She understands the challenges and opportunities in the food and produce business today as well as the drivers of success tomorrow. Prior to founding 210 Analytics, Anne-Marie was the Head of Research for the FMI. She designs and authors the annual Power of Produce study and monthly performance reports, along with similar studies in meat, deli, frozen, bakery and other categories.
PANELISTS
Laura Himes, Vice President of Fresh, Walmart Sourcing | Walmart
Laura Himes serves as Vice President, Fresh, Walmart Sourcing for Walmart. Joining the company in 2013 as a Senior Director of Global Sourcing based in sunny Miami and then moved to Bentonville to assume the role of Senior Director of Produce Merchandising. With a passion for people and planet, Laura has let sustainability efforts in produce around packaging, pollinators, vertical farming, block chain implementation and the ethical treatment of farm workers. With over 30 years of experience in the Fresh industry, Laura has worked in about every aspect of produce from farm to fork. Before joining Walmart, Laura held sourcing, production, and operations roles with some very well-known brands including Dole, Chiquita and Driscoll. Laura earned her International MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and speaks three languages – English, Spanish, and Portuguese. She also has a servant’s heart serving as the Board Chair and member of the Executive Committee for the International Fresh Produce Association and volunteering at the NWA Food Bank and Canopy. In her free time, Laura loves to travel with her husband, Jorge, and two children, Miguel and Amelia.
Jim Thomas, Vice President of Supply Chain + Sustainability | sweetgreen
Jim Thomas serves as Vice President, Supply Chain + Sustainability with Sweetgreen based in Los Angeles. He has built a successful track record in key leadership and management roles on boards, as president, and in functional management of manufacturing, supply chain, sourcing, supply management, demand management and quality assurance. His core competencies include strategic execution, turn-around and recovery strategies, operational excellence, demand management, supply chain including risk mitigation. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the drive, focus and talent to achieve operational excellence, maintain high levels of productivity, and deliver strong top- and bottom-line growth in high-pressure public, private and not-for-profit settings. His operational background encompasses a strong and broad range of expertise areas, such as manufacturing, culinary and marketing, logistics, supply chain, strategic planning, budgeting, technology transfer, sourcing, continuous improvements, operating efficiencies and distribution/3PL networks. These and many other talents combine to give him the focused confidence and reliable stability to be a crucial contributor to ongoing corporate growth and market expansion. Jim holds an Executive MBA from the University of Chicago and BS in Operations Management from The Pennsylvania State University. He also acquired Director Education and Corporate Governance Certification through UCLA Anderson School of Management and is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors, Jim has participated in voluntary self-improvement such as Landmark Forum, Landmark Advanced, Access to Power, Power to Create, Tony Robbins—Unleash the Power within and other learning sessions. A frequent industry speaker, Jim has been involved in leadership roles with various industry/professional associations and volunteer activities including board positions with Second Harvest Foodbank and Save the Chimps.
Josh Waters, Senior Vice President of Category Management – Produce & Commodity Grocery | US Foods
Josh Waters is Senior Vice President, Category Management – US Foods. In this role, he is responsible for developing go-to-market strategies that differentiate US Foods and help the company best serve foodservice operators across the country. Prior to this role, he served as Vice President, CHEF’STORE where he led the company’s cash & carry store business. He joined US Foods in 2012. Prior to joining US Foods, Josh held a variety of roles for grocery retailer, Safeway, including Vice President – Produce and leadership roles in Pricing, Replenishment and Sourcing. Josh is a graduate of the University of Missouri and holds a Masters in Supply Chain Management from the University of San Diego.
CONTESTS & PRIZES!
Compete in our Southern Exposure: Produce Means Family costume and booth decorating contests! We invite all attendees to participate for a chance to win CASH!
COSTUME CONTEST
Join our Opening Gala Luau on Friday night, March 8th in Hawaiian-themed, family-friendly attire to compete in our costume contest for a chance to win one of these AMEX gift cards: 1st place: $200; 2nd place: $150; 3rd place: $100; Best Group: $300
BOOTH DECORATING CONTEST
Got a booth idea embracing our theme – Produce Means Family? Decorate your Hawaiian-inspired booth on Saturday at the expo for our booth decorating contest! Three of the best decorated booths will receive a prize of one of the following AMEX gift cards: 1st place: $1,000; 2nd place: $500; 3rd place: $250
DIGITAL TOOLKIT
MAHALO!
Check out the recap video of Southern Innovations 2024!
SEPC is excited to announce the release of our new book, For the Love of Produce - Southeast Produce Council's Culture and Spirit, which will be published and launch during Southern Exposure 2025! We can’t wait to share personal stories and experiences from over 60 SEPC members. The book will also include inspirational quotes and pictures, perfect for your cocktail table.
All proceeds from book purchases will go to the SEPC Cares charitable partner of your choice. For more information on how to purchase your copy, visit our SEPC website. Thank you for your time and effort supporting the Southeast Produce Council!
Introducing SEPC's STARS Class of 2025!
We are excited to have each of these students attend Southern Exposure this year to introduce them to our members. Check out their bios and resumes on our website:
THE FUTURE OF FRESH AWAITS!
Be part of shaping tomorrow's produce industry leaders at the Fresh Futures Event during Southern Exposure 2025. This is your exclusive opportunity to connect with top-tier students who are eager to make their mark in the produce industry. These rising stars are ready to bring their talent, fresh ideas, and passion to your company through internships and career opportunities.
Don’t miss this annual event designed to bridge the gap between students and the limitless possibilities within our industry. Secure your company’s spot today and get ready to meet the future of fresh!
✨Let’s shape the future of fresh together!✨
STEP-UPP gives Retail and Foodservice produce professionals a greater understanding of the industry through an emphasis on strategic orientation, personal leadership, and hands-on field experience. Please join us in welcoming our 2025 STEP-UPP Classes to Southern Exposure and wishing them a successful year!
Our STEP-UPP Foodservice class recently participated in winter field and facility tours with the following SEPC member companies: Port Tampa Bay, Lipman Family Farms, Wish Farms, Florida Classic Growers (Dundee Citrus Growers Association), Mack Farms, IMG Citrus, and Southern Specialties. They also enjoyed wonderful fellowship through meals provided by Pro Citrus Network, Inc. and Frey Farms.
We truly appreciate our hosting member companies for providing these enriching experiences!
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.
Community Updates
Our Featured Charitable Partner for March is Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. For the past few years, SEPC has been the Title Sponsor of the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Strong4Life Superhero Sprint where we give away fresh, free produce to event attendees. All proceeds benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Strong4Life program, which helps Georgia families raise healthy, resilient kids. We invite you to join our team each year as we support this super benefit, or if you aren’t up for the run, but would like to help out, we would love for you to volunteer with us!
We also provide produce boxes to Camp Strong4Life, providing campers the opportunity to continue the healthy habits they've been learning and living at home. We are so thankful for your generous support and hope that you are able to join us this year as a donor or a volunteer!
Raffle time!!!
🐎 KENTUCKY DERBY TICKETS 🐎
This raffle will end April 5 at 8pm!
Details: $100 a raffle ticket
Bridge The Gap Ministries Derby Raffle
2025 Kentucky Derby/Kentucky Oaks Pkg
Fri, May 2 & Sat, May 3(2 days)
2 PERSON SEATING, FREE PARKING/SHUTTLE
FREE DRINKS (Sodas, Beer, Wine & Spirits)
FREE CONCESSION FOODS
Seat Location: 1st Turn Reserved Seating
Sec 1012, Row K, Seats 11-12
DONATION $100
(value $3,200)
Photos below are the actual seats where you would be!
This raffle will be huge and we only have a select amount of tickets to sell!!
Call/Text Jeff Anselmo for tickets & more information- (828)577-8939
For more than 125 years, Palmer Home for Children has provided superior care for children while introducing the love of God through service to each individual child. Palmer Home ensures restorative environments where children feel safe, connected and supported through campus care, foster care, transitional care and family care service lines.
Complete with fruit trees, herbs and flowers, butterfly gardens, a gazebo, trellis, benches, and Adirondack chairs, the Hope Grows Garden offers a space to cultivate beauty, growth, and resilience.
About the Hope Grows Garden Program
The Hope Grows Garden sponsored by the Southeast Produce Council seeks to utilize the healing effects of gardening and horticulture therapy to promote healing. The garden includes a number of fruit bushes, flowers, and produce which provide opportunities to cultivate growth.
Hope Grows Here
Each child has a hand in choosing the produce they would like to care for as well as planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops that can then be used in the homes on our campus.
Gardening responsibilities include planting, weeding, and watering plants; harvesting fruits and vegetables when ripe; general upkeep of the garden area; and selling produce at the Hernando Farmer’s Market.
Horticultural Therapy
Horticultural therapy has been shown to increase social, educational, psychological, and physical well-being and can also help depression, anxiety, addiction, and survivors of abuse as well as children of all ability levels, including those on the autism spectrum.
Our Vision
Gardening appears to have therapeutic benefit for children by providing a relaxing, therapeutic environment, a decrease in symptoms of depression and aggressive or angry feelings, opportunities for problem solving and to work as a group or individually, enhancing self-image and a sense of self-worth, and creating a feeling of accomplishment.
Sponsor the Hope Grows Garden
The Hope Grows Garden is made possible thanks to our generous sponsors. Purchase a naming opportunity to honor a loved one or promote your business. Quantities are limited and will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis, for a period of five years with first rights to renewal.
⛳️ Save the Date! ⛳️
Mark your calendars for the 32nd Annual Paul Anderson Golf Classic on Monday, May 5th, 2025! 🏌️♂️✨ Join us for a day of great golf, fellowship, and support for the young men of the Paul Anderson Youth Home.
- 📍 When: Monday, May 5, 2025
- 📍 Where: The River Golf Club in North Augusta, SC.
- 📍 Register Now: http://payh.org/golf
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible event! Whether you’re playing, sponsoring, or simply supporting, your participation makes a difference in the lives of these young men.
Stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to see you on the course! ⛳️🏆
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.
Congratulations to our graduating class of the Next Generation Leadership Academy!
Congratulations to our 2025 Vorhees Vision Scholarship recipients!
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.
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.
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 have awarded 39 scholarships ($58,500) in 2024 thanks to the dedication of our members.
The SEPC Member Scholarship application can only be submitted online through our link which will be provided beginning March 10, 2025. The application deadline is April 25, 2025 at 5pm EST.
Visit our website for more scholarship information!
Congratulations to Samantha Von Zynda of Performance Food Group for being the first to answer our February SEPC Fruit & Veggie Trivia Question correctly!
March Trivia Question
Be the first to answer correctly and win a $25 gift card!
Marsh Seedless is a variety of what fruit?
Plum
Grapefruit
Melon
Strawberry
Contact us
242 North Masonic Street | Millen, GA 30442 | 877.720.SEPC (7372) | info@seproducecouncil.com