The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) announced the expansion of 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.
The early kick-off of networking events allowed participants to build relationships before diving into the educational and exhibit portions of the conference. With participation across sporting events, the organization continues to elevate the Southern Innovations experience by blending professional growth with friendly competition.
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 & 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)
© Southeast Produce Council
First place winners: Rich Pazderski (Bland Farms), Jim Ray (Ingles), Andrew Garrett (Del Monte), Jon Schwalls (Southern Valley).
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 Company
- 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)
© Southeast Produce Council
"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."
For more information:
Anna Burch
Southeast Produce Council
Tel: (478) 982-4411
[email protected]
www.seproducecouncil.com
