I want to begin this column by thanking all of our members for their continued support. The Southeast Produce Council would not have enjoyed the success it has had over the years without the support of our members and continued sponsorship support. That support allows us to have great venues with record-breaking attendance at every conference and expo.

As I shared at the Southern Exposure luncheon in Orlando, FL, I plan to 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 networking, education and community outreach.

For me, this past conference started Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 24, in a week filled with several meetings, both committee meetings and board of directors meetings.

I had gotten involved over a decade ago on a committee and was very impressed by the professionalism of all team members and their dedication. The committee teams are the vital heartbeat of the council, as this is where a lot of planning — mostly through conference calls — is executed and brought up to the board by each committee chairperson.

I always enjoy getting the committee updates and hearing the progress that the council is making in its efforts to be the premier produce resource in the southeastern United States.

I was thankful that the weather held off and that everyone was able to enjoy the Tom Page Golf Classic on Thursday, Feb. 26. Several of the scores were just incredible. The gala took place on Friday, and I think everyone — including me — really looks forward to this event, as it is always a great party.

Although I don’t remember drawing the short straw, somehow the executive team managed to put me in the trunk of the vintage car that we all rode in on to make our entrance. (If you were there, you understand!)

Our educational committee just keeps finding great topics to bring to our workshops. The “Save the Queen” bee documentary workshop was very informative, and I think everyone walked away with a stronger appreciation for this topic and how vital it is to our industry.

And the “Ask a Retailer” session, moderated by Reggie Griffin of Reggie Griffin Strategies, was a lot of fun. Thanks, Reggie. You were great, and so were the retailers that participated on the panel.

Regarding the expo, I am so glad we have held the size of this event so that people can still get around and see everything with enough time to visit.

Besides this being my first year as president of the council, it was also my first year at the expo on the sales side vs. the retail side. I can truly say that the Southeast Produce Council does provide the platform for what I stated earlier about building professional relationships by providing platforms for networking, education and community outreach.

As we have now moved into spring, I look forward to seeing you this May at our next event: the Terry Vorhees Charity Golf Classic, which will be at the Atlanta National Golf Club in Milton, GA.

We will kick off Monday, May 4, with a silent auction and a Cinco de Mayo dinner, followed by a casino night, which should be lots of fun. Our shotgun style golf tournament will be held Tuesday, May 5. I look to another successful turnout and all proceeds raised will support one of our benefitting charities, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

If you are not involved in the Southeast Produce Council, let me invite you to come join us, get involved, execute a plan and make an impact.

Mark Daniels, director of sales and procurement at Global Organic Specialty Source Inc. in Sarasota, FL, is president of the Southeast Produce Council.