Southeast Produce Council

The Unseen Hero Award Nomination Deadline
2026-07-17
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 17, 2026
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 2026.

STEP-UPP Applications Due
2026-07-10
APPLY NOW for one of our 2027 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) 2027, 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 2027 Retail and Foodservice classes through Friday, July 10, 2026, before 5:00 pm EST. Only 10-12 students will be accepted in each class, so be sure to submit your application today!

STEP-UPP Retail Virtual Education Day
2026-07-08 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-07 09:00 - 13:00 UTC
Virtual half day of presenters from outside the Southeast as well as a keynote speaker.

SEPC Office Closed
2026-07-04
Our office will be closed Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day.

Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline
2026-06-26
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 will be provided beginning May 11, 2026. The application deadline is June 26, 2026 at 5pm EST.

STEP-UPP Retail Summer Tour
2026-06-09 - 2026-06-12
In-person field/facility/farm tour within the Southeast.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Superhero Sprint
2026-06-06
The SEPC supports the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Strong4Life Superhero Sprint each year in Atlanta through the donation of volunteer hours, products, and fundraising. We are always in need of products for our tent, hands-on help at the event, or participants/fundraisers!

SEPC Office Closed
2026-05-25
Our office will be closed on Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day.

SEPC Sustainability Webinar Series: Food Waste & Recycling
2026-05-20 13:00 - 14:00
A practical discussion on measuring and diverting food waste, as well as managing non-organic waste and recycling streams. The session will cover best practices and resources specific to the fresh produce supply chain.
Registration 🔗 https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jWRO07DwQka6oYVBVxjyVg#/

STEP-UPP Foodservice Summer Tour
2026-05-11 - 2026-05-14

Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship Opens
2026-05-11

SEPC Member Scholarship Application Deadline
2026-04-24
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.
The SEPC scholarship application can only be submitted online through our link which will be provided beginning March 9, 2026. The application deadline is April 24, 2026 at 5pm EST.

STEP-UPP Retail Spring Tour
2026-04-07 - 2026-04-10

SEPC Office Closed
2026-04-03
Our office will be closed on Friday, April 3rd, in observance of Good Friday.

STEP-UPP Foodservice Spring Tour
2026-03-16 - 2026-03-19

SEPC Sustainability Webinar Series: Sustainability 101
2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:00
An introductory session designed for individuals new to sustainability or those looking to build a strong foundational understanding. The webinar covers key topics including packaging, waste, integrated pest management, energy and carbon emissions, social responsibility, logistics and transportation, water stewardship, deforestation, and biodiversity.
Registration 🔗 https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KcZM92zWTA-yJWmZOi_y2A#/registration

SEPC Member Scholarship Opens
2026-03-09

Southern Exposure 2026
2026-02-26 - 2026-03-01 | Orlando World Center Marriott, 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL, 32821, United States
Thursday, February 26, 2026 – Sunday, March 1, 2026

Orlando World Center Marriott, 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 USA

Vorhees Vision Scholarship Application Deadline
2026-01-09
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.

SEPC Office Closed
2026-01-01
Our office will be closed on Thursday, January 1st, in observance of New Year’s Day.

SEPC Office Closed
2025-12-24 - 2025-12-25
Our office will be closed December 24th & 25th to celebrate Christmas.

SEPC Office Closed
2025-11-27 - 2025-11-28
Our office will be closed November 27th & 28th in observance of Thanksgiving.

Vorhees Vision Scholarship Opens
2025-11-24

Bridge the Gap Ministries 2nd Annual Golf Tournament
2025-11-08
Help support Bridge the Gap Ministries during their 2nd Annual Golf Tournament at the Gatlinburg Golf Course in Pigeon Forge, TN.

SEPC University Webinar: EPR
2025-10-28
🌱 You’re Invited: SEPC Sustainability Webinar on Extended Producer Responsibility

♻️ Is Your Business Ready for EPR?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is reshaping packaging laws—and shifting the cost of waste from governments to producers.

Join us on Oct 28 at 1 PM EST for a free webinar to learn:

✅ What EPR is & why it matters

✅ Key timelines & requirements

✅ How to stay compliant and ahead of the curve

📍 Live on Zoom | 💼 For suppliers, retailers & industry partners

👉 Register now

Let’s build a more sustainable future—together. 🌱

Southern Innovations 2025
2025-09-10 - 2025-09-13 | Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S College St., Charlotte, NC, 28202, United States
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 – Saturday, September 13, 2025

Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S College St. Charlotte, NC 28202

SEPC Office Closed
2025-09-08 - 2025-09-15
Our office will be closed on Monday, September 8th, through Monday, September 15th. See y’all at Southern Innovations!

SEPC Office Closed
2025-09-01
Our office will be closed on Monday, September 1st, in observance of Labor Day.

SEPC University Sustainability Webinar: Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
2025-08-27
GET AHEAD OF 2025 CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Join us for SEPC’s first Sustainability Webinar:
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)
As part of our new sustainability initiative, SEPC is launching a webinar series to support members in preparing for evolving industry standards and certifications.
We invite you to join us for our first session focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM)—a critical component in meeting retailer sustainability requirements coming into effect by the end of 2025.
📅 Date: August 27, 2025
🕚 Time: 12:00 PM EST
📍 Location: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
What You’ll Learn:
🌿 A high-level overview of IPM practices
📋 Retailer expectations & implementation timelines
✅ Accepted IPM certifications
💡 Real-world examples from two SEPC members using IPM to optimize production, boost efficiency, and enhance sustainability
Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and hear directly from industry leaders!
CLICK TO REGISTER NOW 👉 https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JNbFGmgtQ4OFHc7yk33lSw#/registrationhttps://lnkd.in/eJUngZxj
We hope to see you there as we continue growing a more sustainable future—together.
