The Southeast Produce Council’s leadership program for women in produce featured speaker Jaime Kulaga, a licensed mental health counselor and author. She spoke about creating a work-life balance and empowering strategies for women in produce. Her empowering message left attendees motivated to take charge of their journey while embracing new opportunities.

CHARLOTTE, NC — The Southeast Produce Council welcomed the fresh produce industry to its annual Southern Innovations conference and trade show Sept. 10-13. Looking at very early numbers, total attendance was about 1,475, of which about 500 were retail, foodservice and wholesale buyers, according to David Sherrod, the council’s president and CEO. “We were excited to have that many buyers,” he said midway through the expo. “We feel that it’s a really good ratio of buyers to sellers. And it’s showing right now; the floor is still busy, and there’s still lots of buyers walking the aisles.”

The Southeast Produce Council enacted changes to its Southern Innovations event, which took place Sept. 10-13 at the Charlotte Convention Center. The updates made the entire experience more valuable and enjoyable than ever before. Changes included moving the start date back by one day, offering the social networking events earlier in the week, eliminating the traditional closing party and giving more time for buyers and sellers to walk the expo.

CHARLOTTE, NC — The Good Seeds MENtor Program was held Thursday, Sept. 11, part of the Southeast Produce Council's Southern Innovations 2025, here. Those gathered heard an inspiring presentation by Justin Forsett, an NFL Pro-Bowl athlete, visionary entrepreneur and servant leader. “Known for his speed and agility on the field, he is now a respected leader and businessman off the field,” the SEPC noted. “And as an award-winning speaker, he shares his stories of sacrifice, setbacks and success.” The Good Seeds MENtor Program is designed to foster meaningful mentorship and leadership growth among

The Southeast Produce Council's Southern Innovations event is off to a hot start, with various social networking events. Taking place Wednesday, Sept. 10, to Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC, a big crowd was expected — and delivered. Last night's Welcome Reception included some activities and games, with a lot of different events as everybody was welcomed to Charlotte. Today will feature various educational sessions, leading into tomorrow's expo.

CHARLOTTE, NC — The Southeast Produce Council kicked off Southern Innovations 2025 with an elegant evening at the VIP dinner Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Charlotte City Club. The semi-annual dinner celebrates the leaders, innovators and partners who have helped shape the council. Kristin Yerecic Scott of Yerecic Label, who chairs the SEPC board of directors, welcomed everyone to the dinner and thanked them for their work on behalf of the council. The VIP dinner was held one day prior to the official opening of Southern Innovations, taking place Sept. 10-12 at the Charlotte Convention Center, here.