The Southeast Produce Council announced a number of exciting actions Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 23, via the SEPC Virtual Garden. Among them were a new headquarters for the council, plus the installation of new officers and two new members on its board of directors.

David Sherrod, the council's president and chief executive officer, opened the event by saying, "On behalf of the Southeast Produce Council, I would like to welcome you to our SEPC Virtual Garden. Here we will be cultivating ideas, growing relationships and producing results."

The first item on the agenda was the installation of the 2020-21 slate of officers.

"This inaugural event within our garden is a unique opportunity for the SEPC to recognize our board members and officers, both those who are retiring and those who are serving on the Executive Committee. This event also serves as an induction ceremony for our newly elected officers," he said. "I honestly believe that God put Brandon Parker in the role as chairman of the board at this time and season, as I believe He has for all who came before him. Brandon has a real skill set that has been a true blessing to the SEPC and to me personally. He has helped navigate and negotiate us through the toughest year in our history. Not only have we remained strong financially, but we have been able to acquire our biggest asset in our short 20-year history."

He added, "Brandon also holds the distinction of being the youngest chairman to date, which is a real testament to his wisdom and personality. He is a true friend of mine and someone I can count on anytime. He has a real passion for the SEPC, and it has shown the last 12 years."

Parker, who is with Shuman Farms, stated, "What a wild ride this has been. We left Nashville coming off the best Southern Innovations yet, then rolled right into the greatest Southern Exposure to date. We left the show setting out to 'Make a Difference.' Little did we know this show would likely be the last in-person show of the year. We all know what happened next. As we left Tampa in early March, the words Covid-19 became very familiar to our vocabulary. The world as we once knew it changed forever. So much was out of our control, but there was one thing that Covid-19 could not take away from this great council: its heart. The unexpected events of the year helped us to set out on a journey to make a difference in the lives of those around us when they needed it most. Through food donations in Millen, Reidsville, Vidalia and Atlanta, SEPC distributed over 200,000 pounds of produce to families in need."

He continued, "One of the most exciting events that took place was when David and I had the opportunity to sit in downtown Millen, Georgia, and sign the papers for our new SEPC home and procure the largest asset investment this council has ever purchased. With an opportunity that was almost too good to be true, God placed an extremely well-built, well-located, spacious office in our hands at an incredible value. Through numerous calls with real estate agents, architects and builders, the project is nearing completion, and we are excited to be joining you from our new office today."

Parker added, "Because we are a people-driven industry, we are certainly saddened to not be with you in person for this year's Southern Innovations event in Savannah. I must say that even though Covid took away this opportunity, it has also allowed us to really evaluate a number of different sectors of the council that will better prepare us for the future, as well as look for ways to engage and provide value to our members through platforms like the Virtual Garden. These events have proven that this council will always rise to the occasion for whatever may come our way."

He also said, "Working with David and the entire SEPC staff, I have been able to see first-hand the amount of hard work and dedication this very small but powerful team puts forth to fulfill the council's mission each day. Because of this great group of people and the wonderful leadership of our Executive Council and board of directors, SEPC is poised to continue being the absolute best trade show organization in the industry."

Parker expressed his gratitude "for the opportunity this council has given me over the years. It has been a true pleasure and absolute blessing to serve, and I look forward to being a part of this SEPC family for many years to come."

He concluded, "I am pleased to pass this great opportunity along to my good friend Harold Paivarinta. He loves this council, and that is evident by the amount of time and effort he has and will continue to put into it during his tenure. I know Harold, along with David, the Executive Committee and the entire board of directors will do a great job leading this council into the future and continue to make a difference for our members and the communities in which we all live."

Parker then virtually passed the gavel to Paivarinta, of Red Sun Farms, who began his remarks by saying, "I am honored to serve as chair of the Southeast Produce Council and blessed to be associated with a team who remains true to Terry Vorhees' vision and continues to elevate the value of this association."

He added, "As I assume my duties as chair, I'm humbled to follow in the footsteps of so many hardworking people who've served before me, people I'm fortunate to also call friends. Brandon Parker, Steve Pinkston, Teri Miller, Andrew Scott and so many others who've led this council since its inception -- you've all blazed trails, added tremendous value to our members and inspired not only myself, but countless others."

The new chairman added, "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. David Sherrod, our president and CEO, for his outstanding leadership and support. The tireless efforts of you and your team are reflected in the success of each and every SEPC event."

He also noted, "Finally, I'd like to express my appreciation to the ownership and leadership teams at Red Sun Farms for their support in allowing me to serve on the board of directors for the past seven years. 2020 has proven to be one of the most challenging years in history. The organizations and people of the fresh produce industry have come together and risen to meet those challenges head-on with innovation, creativity and strength."

He continued, "We are all fortunate to work in an industry that's completely powered by people. From the farmers and their teams working in the fields. Folks in the pack houses doing their best to ensure our produce is safe and meets the highest standards; to the truckers who travel millions of miles each year to keep the flow of goods moving; and finally, the teams working the racks and tables and in kitchens, providing healthy and nutritious fresh produce to the masses. Nothing happens in our industry without these people."

Paivarinta then introduced the two incoming members of the SEPC board of directors: Mark Shuman of Shuman Farms and Jeff Tant of Performance Food Group.

"Mark was drawn into the sweet onion business at an early age," said Paivarinta. "He worked on the family farm alongside his father and two brothers, where they primarily grew Vidalia sweet onions. Mark graduated from Georgia Southern University in 1994 and began his career as a crop consultant. In the fall of 2004, Mark rejoined Shuman Farms and is now the director of operations."

Mark Shuman and his wife, Victoria, have been married for 22 years and have two sons, Chap and Mason. Mark enjoys Georgia football and is an outdoor enthusiast.

Jeff Tant is the corporate produce director at Performance Food Group. He works with the produce procurement and marketing teams at 35 PFG Distribution Centers across the United States.

"Jeff has worked with several reputable foodservice and retail organizations over the last 30 years," such as Taylor Farms, U.S. Foods and Harris Teeter, said Paivarinta. "During Jeff's tenure at these different companies, he led many of his staff to successful management careers as he led them by example."

Tant is an avid tournament bass fisherman. He also loves spending time with his family, especially his three granddaughters.

Finally, Paivarinta introduced his fellow officers on the Executive Committee: Raina Nelson of Renaissance Food Group as vice chairman, Tim Graas of Associated Wholesale Grocers as secretary and Mike Roberts of Harp's Food Stores as treasurer.