SEMA_________________________________

SOUTHEASTERN MEAT ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 620777; Oviedo, FL 32762 Phone: 407-365-5661

JULY 2010

VOLUME 25, No. 7A

SEMA Convention
Business: “A-Maze or A-Maze-ing”


The SEMA convention held at the Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris, GA was “A-Maze-ing”. This was one of the best attended SEMA conventions. The SEMA Directors invited the processing companies from the southeast to attend the convention at the SEMA member rate, giving them an opportunity to see what SEMA is about. We welcome the new Associate and Processing members that joined SEMA prior and during the SEMA convention.

SEMA 2010 Convention Session There is no substitute for face-to-face interaction when it comes to solving complex problems and building relationships and the attendance proved it. This years convention was the best ever with some 40 exhibitors, convention topics and networking that will keep our processors leaders in the industry.

The SEMA Directors would like to thank the following companies for exhibiting at the convention and for their support of the Association.

A.C. Legg Co.
Access Business Group
Advanced Surfaces
Astro Products
CDC Software
Chilton Consulting Group
Cryovac Sealed Air
DeWied International
Food Wholesalers
Excalibur Seasoning
Express Label Co.
FOSS North America
Frank Door Co
Globe Packaging
Golden Eagle Extrusions Grasselli – SSI
Handtmann
Hovus
International Casings Group Marel Food Systems
MaxPak
Mound Tool Company
Oversea Casing Co.
PermTherm Inc.
Praxair Inc.
Pro Smoker n Roaster
Quality Casing Co.
Robert Reiser & Co.
Spraying Systems
Standard Casing
Stellar Group
Tipper Tie
Ulma Packaging Systems
VC999 Packaging Systems WinPak
Wolfson Casing
University of Florida
University of Georgia

A successful convention takes good people in front and behind the scenes; thanks to the moderators, speakers, and to Larry Eubanks and Dr. Chad Carr from the University of FL for providing the audio-visual equipment and keeping the program on track.

SEMA 2010 Convention, Everette & Scott Kelley, Kelley Foods of Alabama
Everette & Scott Kelley, Kelley Foods of Alabama
Every year the frog is auctioned off to raise money for the SEMA scholarship fund. Scott Kelley of Kelley Foods of AL was the successful bidder this year. SEMA gives up to $4,000.00 a year in scholarships.

Dallas Duncan from the University of Georgia was awarded a $3,000.00 scholarship. Dallas plans on being a food industry journalist.

 

A special thanks to Jim Purvis and the A.C. Legg Co. Associates for their donation of $1,000.00 to the SEMA scholarship fund. A.C. Legg’s, Gene Funkhouser (pictured right) serves as a SEMA Director, chairs the membership committee and is on the scholarship committee. A.C. Legg Co. has been a supporter of the scholarship fund since it began.

A 50/50 scholarship raffle is held during the convention each year and this year’s winner was Karla Weiszer from Wolfson Casing. Thanks to everyone that purchased tickets, so we may help educate the industry leaders of tomorrow.

A.C. Legg’s, Gene Funkhouser  at SEMA 2010 Convention

 


There is always time for a little fun and Friday night everyone
enjoyed Barbeque Ribs, Burgers and bluegrass music at the
Country Hoedown.
SEMA 2010 Convention BBQ
SEMA 2010 Convention Hayride SEMA 2010 Convention Bonfire
The kids and young at heart enjoyed a hayride, feeding the horses and roasting marshmallows over the campfire.
The President’s Banquet wrapped up the convention Saturday evening. After a great dinner and entertainment, two of our SEMA Directors that retired from the Board last year were honored for their time and service to the Association.

Left to right, Harry Wampler - International Brands, Jimmy Carroll - Sunset Farm Foods,
Scott Kelley -Kelley Foods of AL & SEMA President
Left to right, Harry Wampler - International Brands, Jimmy Carroll - Sunset Farm Foods,

 

Mark Your Calendar for Next Year’s Convention
June 9-12, 2011 @ The Shores Resort & Spa, Daytona Beach Shores, FL