Southeast Produce Council's Board of Directors Releases Letter in Response to COVID-19
MILLEN, GA - When we talk about the produce industry, it’s easy to throw around words like “strong,” “community,” and “action-based”—all of which have been demonstrated in flying colors over the course of the development of COVID-19. The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) acknowledges these attributes are what makes the produce industry so resilient, which is why it’s anticipating Southern Innovations serving as a much-needed industry meet-up this fall.
In a letter from SEPC’s Board of Directors, the council outlined that Southern Innovations will still be taking place in Savannah, Georgia, on September 17-19, 2020.
“Our members are looking for answers to the path of recovery. Our response is to prepare now for better times ahead,” the Board wrote in the letter. “We were blessed with a successful Southern Exposure in Tampa just prior to the pandemic. Now, we remain focused on reuniting our industry with our Southern Innovations conference in Savannah, Georgia, September 17-19. This year’s theme, Fresh On My Mind will center around the importance of eating fresh, which is especially relevant. We are engineering the event with 'new normal' practices and are working diligently to ensure the safety of our attendees.”
The Board then outlined the following safety measures that will be implemented at the upcoming show:
- Controlled attendance and booth space
- Added distance between exhibitors
- Modified attendee traffic flow
- Increased hand and surface sanitizing stations
- Provided face masks/shields
- Collaborative virtual education sessions
In addition, the show will feature COVID-19-evolved products and services as well as expert panel discussions and sessions on the best pandemic practices gleaned from the current situation. These sessions will be moderated by industry experts from every segment of the supply chain.
“As we continue our preparations, know that your safety will always be at the forefront of our priorities. We are monitoring the recommendations of both health and government officials as we also take into consideration the possibility of rescheduling or cancelling the conference,” the Board continued in its letter. “The Southeast Produce Council has built its reputation on faith, family, and fellowship. We strongly believe that our industry will be forged through the fire, and we will all be made stronger from this event. As we learn, adapt, and collaborate, we will not just recover but thrive in the years ahead.”
To read the letter in its entirety, click here.
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