The Alabama Grocers Association presented Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth its Spirit of Alabama Award, recognizing his commitment to the state’s grocery industry.
At the annual Alabama Food Industry Finest Luncheon Oct. 26 at The Club in Birmingham, Ainsworth addressed more than 120 people to discuss the accomplishments attained in the 2023 legislative session and his continued efforts for the future.
Ellie Taylor, president and CEO of the Alabama Grocers Association, and Bob Crawford, president of United-Johnson Brothers and chairman of the AGA Board of Directors, presented Ainsworth with this award.
“AGA applauds Lt. Gov, Ainsworth for his work in the legislature, particularly the reduction of the grocery tax,” Taylor said.
“Ainsworth met with countless experts, advisors and associations, including the AGA, to rally support and help with this effort. To get 35 senators and 100 out of 105 representatives to support a cause is no small feat. AGA has been working for well over a decade to accomplish this reduction, and we are proud to present Lt. Gov. Ainsworth with this award.”
The Spirit of Alabama Award recognizes Ainsworth’s service as an Alabama legislator, actions taken to repeal the state’s sales tax on groceries and his commitment to protecting hardworking Alabamians.
“The Spirit of Alabama Award is a high honor, but it is one that I share with each legislator who sponsored and supported the bill and all who worked to repeal the grocery tax before me,” Ainsworth said.
“We must finish the job of eliminating the state grocery tax altogether, but with Alabama’s historically strong economy and record low unemployment, I am confident that full relief from food taxation is on the horizon.”
About the Alabama Grocers Association
The Alabama Grocers Association is a state trade association representing the grocery retail industry since 1990. With more than 100 retail members operating in 750 stores statewide, as well as more than 210 manufacturers, brokers, wholesalers and other members, the association is the voice of the industry in the state of Alabama.
The food retail industry in Alabama provides half a million jobs with more than $2.5 billion in annual wages paid. Grocers pay more than $1.18 billion in state taxes and have a total economic impact on the state’s economy of more than $12.1 billion.
Read more association news from The Shelby Report.
