Southeast Produce Council

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.

Paul Anderson Youth Home Annual Bike Ride
2025-06-21 - 2025-06-27
Each year, the young men of the Paul Anderson Youth Home ride over 550 miles. Their stories are powerful, personal, and rooted in a legacy that began when Paul Anderson, the World’s Strongest Man, rode his bicycle from Vidalia, Georgia to Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska to raise awareness for the Youth Home. This tradition continues today, not just to honor Paul, but to transform lives—one mile at a time.
Want to support the mission?
Text “bikeride” to 71777 or visit payhbikeride.com

Next Generation Leadership Academy Retreat
2025-06-16 - 2025-06-20
This year-long professional development program is truly unique and is designed for up-and-coming leaders in the produce industry. The program provides participants with a unique approach to conscious leadership ideals and methodologies. Participants will develop and galvanize leadership skills to better navigate industry challenges with a growth mindset. The Academy features virtually guided events throughout the year and up to two in-person programming focused on the next era of agriculture. The program equips and prepares participants for future leadership responsibilities with content relevant to their leadership challenges.
The Academy consists of monthly 2 hour virtual sessions and up to 3 in-person sessions. The in-person sessions are each typically 4 days long in June, September (in conjunction with Southern Innovations), and Feb/March ( in conjunction with Southern Exposure).

SoSA Macon Fresh Produce Distribution
2025-06-13 09:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Atrium Health Amphitheater, 3657 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon, GA, 31206, United States
JOIN US AT THE MACON FRESH PRODUCE DISTRIBUTION
DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME!
SEPC Cares is proud to announce details of our annual food distribution, taking place on Friday, June 13, 2025, in Macon, Georgia. In partnership with the Society of St. Andrew and Atrium Health Navicent, we are committed to improving the health of our community.
Event Details:
📍 NEW Location: Atrium Health Amphitheater, 3657 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon, GA 31206
📅 Date: Friday, June 13, 2025
This annual event is part of our ongoing mission to address food insecurity and promote wellness in underserved communities. With your support, we can continue to expand the reach and impact of this initiative.
Volunteer Opportunities: We welcome all SEPC members who wish to donate their time and energy to help distribute produce and support event logistics.
To coordinate fresh produce donations, please contact:
Kelly Stainner at florida@endhunger.org or (863)224-0472
or
Southeast Produce Council info@seproducecouncil.com or (877)720-SEPC
Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

STEP-UPP Retail Summer Tour
2025-06-10 - 2025-06-14
In-person field/facility/farm tour within the Southeast.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Superhero Sprint
2025-06-07
The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta tradition lives on at Piedmont Park, Saturday, June 7, with the family-friendly Strong4Life Superhero Sprint 5K and 1-mile fun run. Use your superpowers to walk, run, roll, sprint or fly to the finish line, and don’t miss out on all the fun before and after the race. From face painting and dancing to fresh donated produce, there’s something for everyone at Superhero Sprint.
All proceeds benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Strong4Life. At Children’s, their mission is to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow.
We invite you to join our team as we support this super benefit, and as an SEPC member, family member, employee, or co-worker, you will receive free registration and a complimentary t-shirt. Use discount code SEPC2025 to receive free registration.
Or if you aren’t up for the run, but would like to help out, we encourage you to make a donation to this worthy cause. Your tax-deductible donations go towards helping children and their families that need a little hope.
VOLUNTEER OR DONATE PRODUCT FOR THE COMMUNITY PRODUCE DRIVE
For several years, Southeast Produce Council has served as the Title Sponsor of the Strong4Life Superhero Sprint and gives away fresh, complimentary produce to event attendees.
If you are interested in volunteering at our booth, please reach out to Molly Edenfield and plan to meet us at Piedmont Park (Charles Allen Drive gate entrance in Atlanta, Georgia) around 6:00 am Saturday morning.
We also welcome product donations to pass out to attendees before, during, and after the race. Please contact Blair Greenhill to make donation arrangements prior to June 4th.
We’re thankful for the generous support and hope that you all are able to join us!

SEPC Office Closed
2025-05-26
Our office will be closed Monday, May 26th, in observance of Memorial Day.
