Industry Celebrates and Connects at Successful SEPC Southern Exposure; Kim Andreason and Brian Cook Comment
ORLANDO, FL - When I landed in the Sunshine State on Thursday and entered the lobby of the Orlando World Center Marriott to familiar faces introducing new ones, hugs and handshakes, laughter and raised voices, the word that comes to mind is "family." Themed “Ohana,” Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) encompassed and ensured this was the tone set for the days dedicated to 2025’s Southern Exposure.
All told, 307 exhibitors showed to 3,354 total attendees, 659 of which were on the buy-side. Retail and foodservice banners included Wakefern, Sendiks, Sysco, US Foods, Harps, and more.
"Produce means family," David Sherrod echoed of the well-attended event as he welcomed everyone before the ribbon-cutting. "The purpose of this week has been to celebrate family. People consistently tell us that there is a distinct difference as they experience our conferences, and it has been very evident this week while we embraced Kristin Yerecik’s platform—Family Meals Matter—and weaved it throughout our theme 'Produce Means Family.' Through the many hugs, laughs, and tears, we’ve gleaned inspiring messages from such dynamic speakers as Jason Brown during Good Seeds, Dominique Dawes during Southern Roots, as well as David Fikes and Bethany Hamilton during our Keynote Brunch, just to name a few."
David continued, "We’ve also celebrated our SEPC family members Kent Kuwata and Mike Casazza for their lifetime service to the council. As we leave with our hearts full, we are reminded of the quote from Disney’s Lilo & Stitch: Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. This year’s Southern Exposure has definitely been an unforgettable experience for our SEPC family."
Even before the opening gala that signaled the official onset of the event, SEPC had an engaging agenda that balanced education, decompression, and connection.
From Tom Page Golf Classic and sessions examining the power of food (Chef Jeff Henderson) and the 10th annual Power of Produce (210 Analytics’ Anne-Marie Roerink, Walmart’s Laura Himes, and FMI’s Rick Stein), to the communal networking power of Southern Roots Women’s Luncheon and Good Seeds MENtor Program, the Southern Events schedule ensured there was plenty of shared experiences between attendees before hitting the trade show floor on Saturday, March 8.
"The 21st Southern Roots Luncheon was a full house, with over 340 attendees and not an empty seat in sight," Kim Andreason, Director of Produce for Jason's Deli, shared about the record-making event. "Dominique Dawes delivered a powerful and heartfelt message—authentic, vulnerable, and a reminder that failure is not the end, but a stepping stone to success. More importantly, she showed us that challenges are easier to overcome when you have a strong community behind you. That’s the heart of Southern Roots—lifting each other up. Our hope is that every attendee left feeling inspired, supported, and reminded that they are never alone."
Walking out of the Southern Roots event, I bumped into Managing Director for Westlake Produce Company Brian Cook, fresh off hearing former NFL player-turned-farmer and philanthropist Jason Brown.
"Iron sharpening iron isn’t just a saying but a daily requirement for awareness and improvement. Being able to spend some time with my industry brothers to support and learn as men was an amazing experience. I can’t wait for the next one," he shared.
After an evening spent in welcome, with fire dancers, flowered lays, amazing food, and live music for a memorable Opening Gala, the industry reconvened in the morning for breakfast and to honor SEPC Lifetime Membership Award recipient Mike Casazza and Terry Vorhees Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Kent Kuwata.
It was a powerful moment of standing ovations as these industry leaders each took to the stage. Kent did so with his wife, Vicki, who he gave much credit for his career's success. Talking of support and family, meaningful firsts and true impact, Kent demonstrated with every word the connection of this industry event while representing the spirit of the award's namesake.
"There’s a show out in Florida that I just fell in love with and you need to go,” Kent remembered sharing with West Coast shippers when working to spread the word after he first attended Southern Exposure, an experience he said impacted him because of the love and welcome Terry Vorhees ensured with a personal invitation.
It set the perfect tone for the trade show day to come, as many dove into an experience that has grown in size but remains deeply connected to its mission of intimate experiences and networking.
Booth Contest Awards
Healthy Family Project in 1st Place
Red Sun Farms in 2nd Place
John Greene Logistics in 3rd Place
Directory Ad Contest Awards
Titan Farms in 1st Place
Jim Rash in 2nd Place
River Ridge in 3rd Place
Costume Contest Winners
- Frances, daughter of Harps Foods Josh Rector in 1st Place
- Johnny Garcia of Stella Farms in 2nd Place
- Logan, son of Austin and Danielle Fowler of Fowler Farms, in 3rd Place
Congratulations to all the winners, including those on the golf course and the dance floor, who embraced Ohana and really celebrated the spirit of this year's theme! I can't think of a better way for the days of Southern Exposure to wind down than with the poolside Closing Reception, which offered a great way to decompress and bask in the last hours of the event.
With so much in a short time, there is more to share even though the show is over. Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to report from this outstanding event.
