The Council Connection December 2022

Warp Speed to our Southern Exposure Digital Toolkit now available!

Right click on each image to download today!

Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals

The SEPC is excited to feature your new products within our Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals showcase during Southern Exposure!

How to Submit Your Showcase Application

• As you register for Southern Exposure, select Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals as one of your sessions.
• Once you register, you’ll receive an application link via email for your showcase.
• Review the options below and submit your application by Friday, January 6, 2023. 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) to be featured within our conference directory and app.

Showcase Information

• Price: $400* (Please note: All shelves include lighting and cases will be locked)
• 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)

Eligibility Requirements

• Your company must be a member of the Southeast Produce Council and in good standing
• Your new products must have been submitted to market since March of 2022 or will be launched before July 2023

*An invoice will be sent upon registering as well as an application link. However, if your showcase is not approved, we will issue a refund.

Here is our Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals showcase updated with last year's theme – The Marvel of Produce!

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

• As you register for Southern Exposure, select Innovation Station as one of your sessions.
• Once you register, you’ll be sent an application link via email for your Innovation Station.
• Review the information below and submit your application by Friday, January 6, 2023. 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) to be featured within our conference directory and app.
• Companies will be notified Friday, January 13, if the submission has been approved.

Price: $1699 (does not include individual/group registration fees)*

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 2022 or will be launched before July of 2023. (Verification required)

Innovation Station Guidelines

• Space is limited to one (1) Innovation Station per member company.
• One company member allowed in station at a time. (Additional associates would need to purchase individual registrations or register as part of a group registration.)
• No additional signage, banners, display racks, etc. will be allowed!
• 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.

*An application link will be sent via email upon registering. An invoice will be sent upon approval.

Here is our Innovation Station updated with last year’s theme – The Marvel of Produce! Your company logo will appear within the face area of the desk similar to the example below.

SAVE THE DATE!

Mark your calendars to meet us in Charlotte, NC for next year’s Southern Innovations held September 14 – 16, 2023. Registration will open in March 2023.

Cultivating Ideas – Growing Relationships – Producing Results

Each year, the SEPC strives to curate an impactful series of industry programs and networking events for our members. The SEPC Virtual Garden is our newest platform through which we will continue to keep members abreast of the latest developments in produce—whether those are happening in the soil, in the cloud, or anywhere in between.

Through the SEPC Virtual Garden, we have begun planting the seeds from our founding pillars – Networking, Innovation, Community, and Education – so that our members will reap the benefits of harvesting quality experiences guaranteed to increase the value of their membership.

In case you missed them, several sessions are available on demand!

The key to the success of our SEPC Virtual Garden is the community who tends it, and we are eager to serve alongside our SEPC family to see what we can grow together.

The SEPC Southern Roots committee announced SEPC Board Ambassador Raina Nelson as the Southern Roots Member Spotlight for November 2022. Please take a moment to get to know Raina!

Exclusive Retail/Foodservice Member benefit during Southern Exposure!

LINKS Reservation Options for SEPC Retail/Foodservice members*

LINKS Meeting Platform Options

• Onsite LINKS Meeting
• Virtual LINKS Meeting within the SEPC Virtual Garden (available upon request)

LINKS Meeting Description Options

• LINKS Meeting(s) with Grower/Shipper Companies
• Internal Company Meeting

A La Carte Menu

• A/V options (Projector/Screen and/or PA System)
• Food & Beverage Service (at reserving company's expense)

Submit your LINKS meeting request by February 3, 2023 to ensure we have ample time to accommodate.

The Southeast Produce Council is thrilled to expand our education portfolio with a truly unique leadership development program designed for up-and-coming leaders. When we received an overwhelming number of nominations for our prestigious Next Generation Award last year, we realized the need to transform a single award into a robust leadership program. The Next Generation Leadership Academy is more than a moment, more than a single award and has been thoughtfully designed to recognize, honor, and invest in future leaders seeking to be changemakers in the produce industry.

This year-long program will provide participants a unique approach to conscious leadership ideals and methodologies. Participants will develop and galvanize leadership skills and prepare to navigate industry challenges with a growth mindset. The Academy will feature quarterly modules that will include virtually guided events and up to 2 in-person programming events. This program will equip and prepare participants for future leadership responsibilities with content relevant to their leadership challenges.

If you have someone in mind whom you’d like to nominate for the Next Generation Leadership Academy, nominations are now open and will close December 15th before 5:00 pm EST.

Nominees should have organizational level support to participate. The inaugural class will be announced during the General Session & Keynote Brunch at Southern Exposure 2023 and will graduate at Southern Exposure 2024.

Nominees are eligible if they are:

• Emerging leader in produce, mid-level manager or above
• Employed in the produce industry for at least 4 years
• Member in “Good Standing” of the SEPC*
• Must possess a vision for leadership, a strong drive to carry it out, and strong communications skills to convey why they believe they would be a good candidate for the program by submitting a short video for selection process

*To be in “Good Standing”, a member must actively participate in the SEPC by their attendance, contributions, or both and must be included in our Membership Roll. SEPC member companies who are in "Good Standing" may nominate an employee who is not currently on the active SEPC membership role.

Note: Employees of the Southeast Produce Council, the SEPC’s participating vendors, any contract employees of the SEPC, and members of the immediate family of any such persons are not eligible to be nominated or win the Award. The term “immediate family” includes spouses, siblings, parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren, whether as “in-laws”, or by current or past marriage(s), adoption, co-habitation or other family extension, and other persons residing at the same household whether related.

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.

Scholarship Details

One college-aged student (graduating high school senior or current college student) will receive a one-time scholarship of $7,500 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 was provided November 28, 2022.

The application deadline is January 13, 2023 at 5pm EST.

2022-2023 SEPC Annual Membership

Join the SEPC Today and Thrive

As an SEPC member, you’ll join a diverse group of like-minded produce professionals, from farmers to distributors and retailers to chefs. It’s about growing your knowledge, sharpening your skills, sharing your passion with others, and enjoying what makes this corner of the country extra special: its long tradition of bringing people together through food that is grown, distributed, and cooked with love.

Please review the membership information on our website and select which annual membership* best suits your company's needs.

Membership Registration for 2022-2023 is now open!

*Please note that our annual membership period runs June through May of the following year. We do not prorate our membership fees.

**All conference attendees are required to be SEPC members in order to attend any events. 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.

Interested in becoming an SEPC Sponsor?

We thank you for your support and look forward to boosting your business in return.

Check out this month’s Sponsor Spotlights on our social media platforms to learn more about each of our SEPC Level Sponsors!

Congratulations to Mike Ramkey of PFG for being the first to answer our November SEPC Fruit & Veggie Trivia Question correctly!

December Trivia Question

BE THE FIRST TO ANSWER CORRECTLY AND WIN A $25 GIFT CARD!

These traditional Jewish treats are meant to represent the celebration of Hanukkah by utilizing these symbolic ingredients:

Oil

(for when the oil of the menorah miraculously lasted eight days when there appeared to be only enough oil for one day)

Cheese

(for the story of Judith, a Jewish heroine – look that one up!)

Potatoes

(which became a key ingredient in impoverished areas where they were plentiful and affordable)

There is a folk proverb that says they serve another purpose as well: to teach us that we cannot live by miracles alone. In other words, miracles are wondrous things, but we cannot wait for miracles to happen. We must work toward our goals, feed our bodies, and nourish our souls in order to live fulfilling lives.

Whether made with cheese or with potatoes, sweet or savory, they are filled with symbolism and tradition.

Can you name them?

Contact us

Please note that our mailing address has changed! See our new mailing address below in the contact information.

242 North Masonic St. | Millen, GA 30442 | 877.720.SEPC (7372) | info@seproducecouncil.com