SEPC Enhances Southern Innovations Experience with Expanded Networking Adventures

Millen, GA – The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) is proud to announce the successful expansion of its Southern Innovations Networking Adventures, now offered earlier to fully integrate with the broader conference experience. This year’s events set the tone for a dynamic and engaging gathering, providing members with exciting new opportunities to connect, compete, and celebrate within the produce industry.

The early kick-off of networking events allowed participants to build relationships before diving into the educational and exhibit portions of the conference. With enthusiastic participation across sporting events, SEPC continues to elevate the Southern Innovations experience by blending professional growth with friendly competition.

Martin Eubanks Sporting Clays Classic Winners

• 1st Place: Rich Pazderski (Bland Farms), Jim Ray (Ingles), Andrew Garrett (Del Monte), Jon Schwalls (Southern Valley)
• 2nd Place: Ken Sikes & Charlotte Vick (Vick Family Farms), Mike Gorczyca (ProAct), Josh Caldwell (Food Depot)
• 3rd Place: Christopher Trujillo & Royal Brannon (PFG), Dow Jones & Matt Jones (Jones & Jones Watermelons)

Founders Memorial Golf Tournament Results

1st Place Team:

• Justin Bartlett – Legacy Labor, Inc.
• Daniel Klausner – Sunkist Growers
• Bill Stone – Legacy Labor, Inc.
• Josh Wright – 3 Star Produce

2nd Place Team:

• Cale Blocker – Southern Produce Packing & Sales
• Conor Chilvers – Mastronardi Produce Ltd.
• Eddie Frye – Grocery Outlet
• Brandon Giddens – Southern Produce Packing & Sales

3rd Place Team:

• Andrew Scott – Nickey Gregory Company
• Mike Ireland – Capital City Fruit
• John Carter – Sunkist Growers
• Tyler Davis – US Foods

Individual Honors:

• Longest Drive (Male): Cale Blocker – Southern Produce Packing & Sales
• Longest Drive (Female): Karin Humanik – Harris Teeter
• Closest to the Pin:
  • Cale Blocker – Southern Produce Packing & Sales
  • Josh Wright – 3 Star Produce
  • Mark Hilton – SEPC VIP
  • Tom Coufal – J&C Tropicals

Cool Cucumber Classic Pickleball Tournament Champions

• 1st Place: Jeff Hutterer (Ocean Mist Farms), Robert Penna (Alpine Fresh)
• 2nd Place: Bill Loupee (Ben B. Schwartz & Sons), Bill Hrabak (Performance Food Group)
• 3rd Place: Derek Sledge (Frey Farms), Jonathan Jennings (Offshoot Brands)

“By moving our Networking Adventures to the beginning of our Southern Innovations experience, we’ve fostered a stronger sense of camaraderie and connection among our members right from the start,” said David Sherrod, President and CEO of SEPC. “It’s not just about competition — it’s about building lasting relationships that move our industry forward.”

For more information about SEPC and upcoming events, visit www.seproducecouncil.com.

About Southeast Produce Council

The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) sprouted in 1999 when a shared vision for cultivating a nonprofit Southeastern-based produce organization was planted. From the first formal meeting of the SEPC where 100 agriculture, retail, and foodservice professionals gathered, we’ve flourished into a vibrant and innovative organization of over 5,000 industry professionals who reap the benefits of harvesting quality experiences guaranteed to increase the value of their membership. As with farmland, a well-cultivated industry can last for generations, and today, we continue to grow at a steady pace thanks to a broad range of backgrounds and expertise from people like you, creating a more bountiful tomorrow.

Learn the benefits of SEPC membership at www.seproducecouncil.com.