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SEPC enhances Southern Innovations with expanded networking adventures

The Southeast Produce Council successfully expanded 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.

2nd - Ken Sikes and Charlotte Vick of Vick Family Farms, Mike Gorczyca of ProAct, and Josh Caldwell of Food Depot
Ken Sikes and Charlotte Vick of Vick Family Farms, Mike Gorczyca of
PRO*ACT and Josh Caldwell of Food Depot.

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 continued to elevate the Southern Innovations experience by blending professional growth with friendly competition.

“By moving our Networking Adventures to the beginning of our Southern Innovations experience, we’ve fostered a stronger sense of camaraderie and connection among our members right from the start,” said David Sherrod, president and CEO of SEPC. “It’s not just about competition — it’s about building lasting relationships that move our industry forward.”

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 and 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)
    sdf
    Christopher Trujillo and Royal Brannon of PFG with Dow Jones and Matt
    Jones of Jones & Jones Watermelons.

     

Founders Memorial Golf Tournament Results

1st Place Team:

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

2nd Place Team:

  • Cale Blocker – Southern Produce Packing & Sales
  • Conor Chilvers – Mastronardi Produce Ltd.
  • Eddie Frye – Grocery Outlet
  • Brandon Giddens – Southern Produce Packing & Sales

3rd Place Team:

  • Andrew Scott – Nickey Gregory Co.
  • 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)

Top photo: Rich Pazderski of Bland Farms, Jim Ray of Ingles, Andrew Garrett of Del Monte and Jon Schwalls of Southern Valley.

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