Page 70 - February2019
P. 70

[SPONSORED CONTENT]
Two Decades Of The
SOUTHEAST PRODUCE COUNCIL HELPING INDUSTRY, COMMUNITIES
a look at the council’s 20 years of accomplishments and how it plans to advance the industry in its next decade
Tby doug ohlemeier
he Southeast Produce Council
(SEPC) is a grassroots trade orga-
nization formed with help from members of the Eastern Produce Council and New England Produce Council to represent its region. As the SEPC marks the start of its third decade, Produce Busi- ness talks with Dave Sherrod, president and chief executive, about
the Council’s past, present
and plans for the industry.
Sherrod describes how
the Council is continuing
its mission of networking,
innovation, community
and education.
Q. Twenty years is an important anni- versary. How is the Council planning to mark this milestone?
The Southeast Produce Council’s greatest desire in celebrating our anniversary is to show our appreciation for the people who’ve helped us reach this important milestone. We will be celebrating at both Southern Expo- sure and our Southern Innovations Organics & Foodservice Expo with elements noting our anniversary visible throughout both major
networking events. Particularly during our reinvented Southern Exposure experience, our members will enjoy a strong sense of community as they immerse themselves in a multisensory showcase through a farm-to- table microcosm.
Q. The Council was formed to give growers the opportunity to meet with buyers in a relaxed setting. How does the Council plan to continue achieving this goal?
One word that encapsulates the SEPC: intimate. As our organization continues to grow, that feeling of intimacy becomes more dif cult to achieve. We’ve set certain guide- lines to preserve the intimacy appreciated at our shows by closely considering the right formula for our members. We strive to create an experience, with a focus to always create an atmosphere where our members can make meaningful connections.
Q. The Council includes 2,500 members. What does its membership growth say about the Council?
Although we are not an organization that focuses on numbers, we have achieved
a healthy increase that af rms we are meeting the needs of all our members, not just a select few. The programs we offer annually are valued by each of our stake- holders, primarily because we create a sense of belonging as we welcome you into our family, and this sets us apart from other trade associations and shows.
Q. What does it take to be a successful industry organization in today’s global produce industry?
Staying ahead of industry trends and providing opportunities for members to connect through networking is of the utmost importance to be successful. Another equally important aspect for successful growth is through the cultivation of member relation- ships. Part of our mission is to promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables within the Southeast. We do everything we can to support local and regional farmers inside our SEPC territory to provide them with oppor- tunities to market their products far beyond our 10 states. We also strive to support companies that source produce globally, creating a value-added bene t for our retail/ foodservice members.
Dave Sherrod
1st Valentine Dinner Dance 2000; SEPC Board October 2004; SE Ribbon Cutting 2008
70 / FEBRUARY 2019 / PRODUCE BUSINESS


































































































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