Renee Carpenter Southard, owner of Organic Marketplace in Gastonia, NC, and former president of SENPA, died on Jan. 17, at age 68.
“It is with broken hearts and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of the heart of Organic Marketplace Renee Carpenter Southard. We are understandably reeling as a family at our sudden loss and ask for your understanding over the next days and weeks as we plan to honor Renee in a way befitting the life she blessed us with,” Organic Marketplace wrote on Facebook.
Southard was passionately involved as a business owner, opening her natural retail store, Organic Marketplace in 1992. Her store was initially 800 square feet, and she quickly understood “supplements did not fully address the needs of her customers.” She decided to bring in organic foods and HBA to more adequately address healthy living needs. As a result, Organic Marketplace relocated to a 5,000 square-feet location in 2003.
Southard was also well known as an industry educator. She always “considered herself a teacher” and her love for education guided her career path. She spent much of her time teaching about health and wellness. Working for SENPA inspired her to help advance independent natural product retailers in an ever-changing market.
“Renee will forever be remembered for the joy, passion, and energy she brought to our industry and her time on the board of SENPA,” said Retailer Brian Mosser, business development director of Get Healthy in Brooksville/Spring Hill, FL. “Personally, I am so glad to be able to call Renee not only a colleague in our industry but also a mentor and best of all a friend. She will be deeply missed, but I also want us to be inspired by Renee to spread her same level of energy, love, and passion for our industry each day in our stores, to our customers, and to each other. Renee may be gone but I can promise you she will never be forgotten.”
Southard served on SENPA’s Board of Directors from 2013-2024 including her role as president from 2020-2024. Her vision led to remarkable achievements including pioneering the SOHO Road Shows, which brought education to retailers across 11 states while expanding SENPA’s membership. The Road Shows provided independent retailers with up-to-date product awareness, legislative awareness and marketing tools for an ever-competitive market.
“Renee was an inspiration to so many and her passion for the independent retailers’ success was always on the top of her list. She was elected by her peers to SENPA Board of Directors as president for a consecutive four years taking the position very seriously and her contributions will have a lasting impact on the natural products industry. We will miss her energy, her vision and her infectious personality,” said Debra Short, executive director of SENPA.
She also enriched alliances with other trade associations, such as INFRA, to foster collaboration and growth throughout the natural products industry. According to SENPA, her “dedication and passion were evident in every aspect of her work” and her contributions will have a lasting impact on the natural products industry.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Renee Southard, former SENPA President, mentor and friend to so many within our industry,” said SENPA President Jeff Shackelford. “We are forever grateful for all that Renee gave of herself and her legacy of unwavering guidance, kindness and generosity will continue to inspire us every day. Please keep your thoughts and prayers with her family, store team members and friends as they work through this difficult time.”
Palko Services, a retail distributor based in Michigan City, IN, added, “Renee Southard will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was not only a valued customer but also a cherished friend. Over the past six years, Steve Palko had the honor of serving alongside Renee on the SENPA board, where he witnessed firsthand her unwavering dedication to the natural products industry and, in particular, to independent retailers. Her kindness, generosity, and warmth left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.
“Renee’s thoughtful recognition of Jim and Debbie Palko with the SENPA President’s Award in 2024 was just one example of her incredible spirit and commitment to honoring those who made a difference in the industry. We are grateful for her contributions, and her legacy will live on in our hearts and memories. She will always be remembered as both a dear friend and an industry icon.”
