Southeast Produce Council

Palmer Home for Children - Shoot for Hope
2026-05-01
Join Palmer Home for Children for the 6th Annual Shoot for Hope Sporting Clays Tournament presented by IMC!
Hosted on their campus in Hernando, MS, tournament teams will shoot a variety of targets each to win coveted prizes and bragging rights. After the tournament, guests will enjoy libations and a delicious Southern-style lunch followed by an awards ceremony.

SEPC Member Scholarship Application Deadline
2026-05-01
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 May 1, 2026 at 5pm EST.

Palmer Home for Children - Mudbug Bash
2026-04-18
The 22nd Annual Mudbug Bash presented by Sky Lake Construction benefiting Palmer Home for Children offers an opportunity to enjoy live music, great food, a silent auction, and a whole lot of fun – all for a great cause!
Each year, Panola Street in historic downtown Hernando, MS, is transformed into an outdoor event venue in support of Palmer Home’s mission to provide hope and healing to children and families in need of support.
Ticket and sponsorship opportunities available.

Bridge the Gap - Benefit Banquet
2026-04-18
This will be the fourth annual banquet raising funds for the Bridge the Gap ministry in Sevierville, TN. It is evening of fellowship and sharing of God’s work in helping individuals fighting addiction.

Nazareth Child & Family Connection - 22nd Annual Swing'n Fore Golf Tournament
2026-04-10
All proceeds go to support the children and families served by Nazareth Child & Family Connection.
2026 Swing’n Fore Nazareth Golf Tournament Flyer
REGISTRATION LINK

STEP-UPP Retail Spring Tour
2026-04-07 - 2026-04-10
In-person field/facility/farm tour within the Southeast.

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

Nazareth Child & Family Connection - Campus Visit
2026-03-17 13:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
SEPC tour of Nazareth facilities and meeting to discuss potential partnership opportunities.

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

SEPC Sustainability Webinar Series: Sustainability 101
2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
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
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.

Society of St. Andrew - Southern Exposure Expo Gleaning
2026-02-28
Volunteers will pack up donated fresh fruits and vegetables after the SEPC Southern Exposure Food Show in Orlando, FL. All produce will be donated to those who struggle with food insecurity in Florida.
This large indoor event requires bending, lifting, packing boxes, and working with others!

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.

SEPC Summer Board Meeting
2025-07-21 - 2025-07-23
SEPC will host this year’s annual summer board meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Unseen Hero Award Nomination Deadline
2025-07-18
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
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.

STEP-UPP Applications Due
2025-07-11
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!

Palmer Home for Children Radiothon
2025-07-10
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.

SEPC Office Closed
2025-07-04
Our office will be closed Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day.

Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline
2025-06-27
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 application link which was provided beginning May 12, 2025. The application deadline is June 27, 2025 at 5pm EST.
