SEPC enhances the Southern Innovations experience with expanded networking adventures

The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) announced 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)

First place

Second place

Third place

Founders Memorial Golf Tournament Results

• 1st Place:

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

• 2nd Place:

• 3rd Place:

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)