PATERSON, NJ — The April dinner meeting of the Eastern Produce Council has long been noted for two key components: new leadership is announced, and it is hosted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.

Those two components were in full force at the EPC dinner meeting held Tuesday evening, April 21, here at The Brownstone.

EPC President Paul Kneeland of Kings Food Markets opened the meeting by saying, "We welcome the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.Outgoing EPC President Paul Kneeland of Kings Food Markets accepted a plaque from incoming EPC President Vic Savanello of Allegiance Retail Services LLC. More photos available here. 
This is their 44th year sponsoring" an EPC dinner.

Martin Eubanks, South Carolina's assistant commissioner of agriculture, led his state's delegation to the meeting and told attendees, "We're excited to be here. I'm excited to be here. We are looking for a great and exciting season in South Carolina."

Eubanks, who has represented South Carolina at the EPC's April meeting for many, many years, was enthusiastic about his state's 2015 peach crop, stating, "You will need two napkins when you eat our South Carolina peaches this year."

Charles A. Wingard of Walter P. Rawl & Sons Inc. and president of the South Carolina Fruit & Vegetable Association told attendees that tomatoes "are on schedule" and should be ready around June 1-5, and that squash and cucumbers should be ready around May 20. "We want to deliver the safest product," he said, and "we really do appreciate your business."

Matt Forrest, a peach grower and president of the South Carolina Peach Council, said that the state is expecting about 90 percent of a full crop. "Growers are busy thinning now," he said, "and we're ready to get started."

Eubanks concluded his remarks by saying, "This organization has meant a lot to us," adding, "I do believe in our crops. I do believe in what our growers are doing."

This meeting marked the end of Kneeland's two-year term as president of the Eastern Produce Council, and he was honored twice. First Eubanks surprised him with a plaque from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture in recognition of Kneeland's "dedicated leadership and service as president of the Eastern Produce Council." And then incoming President Vic Savanello of Allegiance Retail Services LLC presented a plaque that noted Kneeland's many years with the council, including serving as a director, as vice president and finally as president.

The evening concluded with the introduction of the new EPC leadership. In addition to Savanello as president, Marianne Santo of Wakefern Food Corp. was named first vice president, and Greg Veneziano of Bozzuto's Inc. was named second vice president. Sal Zacchia of RDD Associates continues as treasurer, Rob Goldstein of Genpro Inc. continues as secretary, and John McAleavey continues as executive director.