Just simply WOW describes SEPC’s Southern Innovations! From the moment it began until the see ya later hugs at the Al Finch Memorial Prayer Breakfast on Sunday morning, WOW!
The START YOUR ENGINES theme was perfect because we were full throttle the entire time while racing to discover, What’s New!
The Green Flag dropped with the VIP Dinner on Wednesday, September the 13th at the NASCAR Hall of Fame where everyone in attendance was able to enjoy all the halls exhibits along with some crazy racecar pit crew challenges – by the way the ladies rocked this – and the opportunity to experience how it feels to drive a race car, not to mention how great the food was!
Southern Roots once again didn’t disappoint. The ladies in attendance enjoyed every moment from Shannon Spake as she shared her experiences as a Veteran sportscaster for FOX sports.
Hugs were everywhere for the Welcome Reception that started off our SEPC Family reunion. Great fellowship and a lot of catching up was going on during the reception.
During the Educational Session Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics once again gave us a better understanding of consumer perceptions on innovations. Then we broke off into groups and had great discussions on value, convenience, health & nutrition, planet & people, and of course technology.
The General Session & Keynote Luncheon was next and where we received an informative State of the Council update. It is always amazing to see what’s new going on with the council. Of course, my “kids” in the 2023 STEP-UPP class were celebrated and received their graduation certificates along with Josh Smith of Corner Market receiving the Faye Westfall Award for being Valedictorian of the class! 2023 was another wonderful class, and the 2024 STEP-UPP class will start their journey soon too!
Although we were all disappointed that Darrell Waltrip had issues with weather and couldn’t attend in person and the backup plan of a zoom presentation failed, Shannon Spake did a phenomenal job of filling in and of course our own Kristen Yerecic Scott was our hero when she stepped in as well!
Another big WOW for “Southern Innovations Exposition!” is the new venue for SEPC this year, The Charlotte Convention Center. There was something new at every booth! I, along with everyone else, truly enjoyed the What’s New? Silent Theater and kiosks on the tradeshow floor!
As always, the Chairman’s Dinner Dance was another great event while celebrating the leadership of the Council with the SEPC Board of Directors Service Awards and the introduction of new board members, Don Fox (Walmart) Hilary Long (Frey Farms) Mike Tipton (Schnucks) Ross Williams (Titan Farms) and David Wilson (US Foods) Along with the passing of the Gavel ceremony. Tim Graas of Associated Wholesale Grocers passed the gavel on to Mike Roberts of Harps Food Stores. Congratulations to Mike as the new Chairman of the Board and thanks to Tim for all his hard work and dedication during his time as Chairman of the Board!
Another WOW to the entertainment of the country band Brassfield, they were great!
With so many activities to choose from on Saturday it was difficult to pick one. The Founders Memorial Golf Tournament, Martin Eubanks Sporting Clays Classic or seeing the sites during the Queen City Tour + Charlotte Motor Speedway “Feel the Thrill” tour! I chose the tour and it was amazing!
Of course, we all gathered again for more fun at the Ultimate Tailgate Experience! Yep, you guessed it… another WOW! Delicious food, every game imaginable to play with your fellow SEPC family members along with the annual cornhole tournament that benefits charities! All while cheering on our favorite football teams while of course talking a lot of smack!
Bright and early Sunday morning we gathered for the Al Finch memorial breakfast. It started off with Logan McCumber sharing his talent of leading worship with music while we sang together. Clark Roper did an amazing job of sharing the word with us on how to use and share our spiritual gifts. Then we closed with JP Miller of JP Miller Ministries share his beautiful voice with us, along with his passion for “Bridge The Gap” SEPC’s newest charity that is a transitional housing and recovery ministry. Then the tough part…the hugs and see ya later part. But, March will be here before we know it!
Southern Exposure 2024 will be in Tampa, Florida March 7-9, 2024, with the theme of The Unseen Hero’s!
Registration is open! FYI I have already registered!
