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Q. What role does the Council maintain in the industry? How has its members, programs and activities in uenced the produce industry?
From the testimonials of our members, the SEPC holds the gold standard for networking events. It has been one of our goals to instill a high sense of profession- alism and loyalty to each other, and we continue to strive to grow and enrich the produce industry through our efforts.
Q. What are the reasons for the Coun- cil’s success?
Our success is a direct result of our members feeling that they are part of some- thing bigger than themselves to which they are emotionally attached, something in which they feel a connection with their fellow members and their communities. The SEPC provides opportunities for our members to become more involved, not only on a professional level, but also on a personal level. At the end of the day, they feel they have been able to help others and really make an impact through our charitable outreach opportunities.
Q. The 2018 Southern Exposure’s theme was Where Produce is King. How does that theme apply to the Council and its industry presence in general?
We offer valuable information to our members while also incorporating elements of fun to encourage more engagement. Our groundbreaking partnership with FMI (Food Marketing Institute) to reveal its signature Power of Produce report annu- ally during Southern Exposure has greatly increased the educational value and insight we are providing to our members. Like- wise, our imaginative themes have been widely accepted, as we’ve created more
STARS 2017
of a relaxed, friendly atmosphere in which members can connect with each other.
Q. The Council developed many industry education programs, including the LINKS (Learning, Interaction, and Networking with Key Players in the Supply Chain) program, the STEP-UPP or The Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Professionals, and the Southern Roots women’s networking program, as well as schol- arships. How do these programs help develop industry talent?
From the very beginning of our forma- tion, the SEPC has always invested in our younger generations with scholarship oppor- tunities and programs designed to help further educate them about the produce industry because we see the importance of actively cultivating future leaders within this industry.
With the conception of Southern Roots, our goal has been to provide a leadership program for women within the industry, offering opportunities to share values, contributions and experiences. It is designed to create an environment in which women can make meaningful connections through events, education and mentoring that will, in turn, positively impact all levels of our industry.
Q. The Council is involved in many charitable causes that help feed the hungry and help people’s health. The Council supports the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Children’s Health- care of Atlanta, Palmer Home for Chil- dren, Paul Anderson Youth Home and the Society of St. Andrew. What’s been the drivetosupporttheCouncil’smembers’ communities throughout the Southeast?
Community is one of our pillars, and supporting charitable causes in the South- east is one of our primary goals. The SEPC was created as a non-pro t association so we would have the opportunity to help different charitable organizations. We have chosen organizations that we think align with our mission to promote the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables within the Southeast.
Q. How does the council plan to move the needle to continue advancing the industry?
The Southeast produce market continues to increase with ample farmland and a conduciveclimate.Agriculturalcontributions become more important to feeding the world, which is battling a dwindling food supply. The SEPC will be a lucrative resource for members to achieve success through our networking opportunities, educational programs, innova- tive spirit and a heart for our communities.
First STEP-UPP class; Members of BOD 2016; SEPC 2017 Session with State Ag Commissioners
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