ASHEVILLE, NC — In his last major presentation as president of the Southeast Produce Council, John Shuman delivered the State-of-the-Council report at the council's 2012 Fall Conference, held here Sept. 19-22, declaring, "The council is in good shape."

Mr. Shuman, president of Shuman Produce Inc. in Reidsville, GA, gave his presentation Friday, Sept. 21, during the general session and luncheon of the council's annual fall conference, held this year at the Grove Park Inn, here. Over 300 people attended this year's event.

Mr. Shuman, whose John Shuman delivering the Southeast Produce Council's State-of-the-Council report Friday, Sept. 21, at the SPC Fall Conference in Asheville, NC. (Photo by Gordon M. Hochberg)term as SPC president ended later that evening, began by restating the council's vision — to be the premier produce resource in the Southeast — and its mission statement, which says in part: "to be the premier resource for produce education and information, that can provide a platform to build professional relationships based on trust, integrity and passion."

Mr. Shuman spoke a bit about the council's 2012 Produce Inspection Training Program, noting that the next session is scheduled for Oct. 17-18 at Delhaize in Salisbury, NC. He spoke also of the council's Community Outreach program and of its scholarship program, noting that the council has awarded a record $40,000 in scholarships this year in support of SPC members and their families.

One of the highlights of his presentation focused on the Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals, known more commonly by its acronym STEP-UPP. This program, now in its second year, is fast becoming the council's flagship program, "bringing a unique opportunity and experience to our members," he said. "This is one of the greatest values we can give back to our membership."

Concerning some previous events, Mr. Shuman noted that the council's most recent annual retail and foodservice conference, in March 2012 in Tampa, FL, and known as Southern Exposure, "was the largest to date with 1,599 in attendance." This fall conference in Asheville was also the largest to date, he added.

In other SPC news, Mr. Shuman noted the recent redesign of the council's website as well as its entry into social media with a Facebook page and Twitter account, both with many followers.

Finally, Mr. Shuman spoke about the financials of the organization, which promotes the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in the states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia.

"I am very proud to announce that the Southeast Produce Council is financially sound," he stated with pride. "The council is in good shape."