MILLEN, GA — As Southern Exposure 2015 is expecting another record-breaking event, the Southeast Produce Council is also gearing up to welcome newly appointed board of directors President Mark Daniels. After seven years with Military Produce Group, Daniels in early January joined Global Organic Specialty Source Inc. in Sarasota, FL, as director of sales and procurement, bringing more than 30 years of experience in produce to his presidency.

Officially appointed as SEPC president at the council's 2014 Southern Innovations Symposium (formerly called the fall conference), Daniels will experience his new role as SEPC president in its full capacity at Southern Exposure 2015, set to take place Feb. 25-28 in Orlando, FL. He has his sights set high to exceed expectations of the board and council members.

"We are so happy to have a man of Mark's integrity as our president for the next two years, SEPC Executive Director David Sherrod said in late January. "I have known Mark for many years and consider him to be one of the most genuine people in our industry. Under his direction, I know that the SEPC will be on solid footing and will always be on the forefront of the industry's ever-changing environment."

Daniels' focus during his two-year term will continue to support and enhance the vision of the council by providing a platform for members to build professional relationships in the produce industry through education, networking and community outreach.  

"With events such as Southern Exposure, the Terry Vorhees Charity Golf Classic and the Southern Innovations Symposium, we are continuing to offer the most quality networking events the industry has to offer for both retail/foodservice and suppliers," said Daniels. "We are also proud to help our members grow and succeed in the industry with the best in education at our event workshops, and through programs such as STEP-UPP, Produce Training Inspections and our support of multiple scholarship programs, including the STARS."

Daniels is also very motivated to continue the council's community outreach work that was near and dear to the heart of past Executive Director Terry Vorhees. Daniels is looking to the membership to continue supporting the council's charitable causes with volunteer hours, product donations and financial support year-round to help make a difference. The council proudly supports the following charities: Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Paul Anderson Youth Home, Rockin' Appalachian Mom Project and the Society of St. Andrew.

"One area at the top of my list is to help the board of directors and committee heads expand our committee teams," said Daniels. "These committees are a big part of who we are and how we invest back into the cities and towns we live in. It is my hope that at the end of my term, we have some kind of presence in every state throughout the Southeast."

Daniels is excited about what lies ahead for the Southeast Produce Council and plans to have a great influence on the council and its members. He invites everyone to make a 2015 resolution to get involved, execute a plan and make an impact.