Last updated on August 20th, 2024
The Alabama Grocers Association brought members from all aspects of the grocery industry together for its 34th annual show July 28-31 at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Destin, Florida.
The gathering promotes the growth and success of the grocery industry in Alabama through advocacy, education, public relations and networking.
The business session July 29 included keynote speaker U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt with a national legislative update; Glenn Richey from Auburn University on “Revolutionizing the Grocery Industry with AI Innovations;” and an AI panel that included Matt Ellis, Instacart, and Dan DelGiudice, Hyer.
At the end of the session, the National Grocers Association’s Spirit of America Award was presented to Aderholt for his service on behalf of the state in Congress. Established in 1982, the award honors key industry and community leaders in the areas of community service and government relations on behalf of the independent supermarket industry.
The Alabama Grocers Education Foundation’s Fund the Future event was held that night, raising more than $37,400. This year, the AGEF awarded 50 scholarships valued at more than $49,000. To date, it has presented more than $1.4 million in scholarships.
The business session July 30 included Bruce Bright’s seminar on bridging the generational gap; an overview of Alabama’s retail organized theft laws with Trisha Mellberg Cater, deputy director of the Alabama District Attorneys Association, and Jeff Bradley, Alabama Office of Prosecution Services; and Rebecca Henshaw, OC&C Strategy Consultants, outlined “Retention in the Grocery Frontline.”
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That afternoon included an exhibit hall with more than 60 booths with vendors and wholesalers from all aspects of the grocery industry. Gulf Distributing Co. and Blue Bell Creameries won the AGA Annual Show Best Decorated Booth competition.
The AGEF welcomed Marisol Lopez of K-VA-T/Food City and Julian Pagan of Publix Super Markets Inc. for the Alabama Best Bagger Competition. Pagan was crowned the winner and will compete in the National Grocers Association’s Best Bagger Championship next year.
The Chairman’s Banquet followed with the installation of new AGA officers and directors and an awards presentation. Attendees then enjoyed the Casino Night theme.
The Alabama Grocers Association’s Spirit of Alabama Award went to Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate for his support and leadership in the grocery community and as an advocate for products grown, made, manufactured and processed in the state.
“The AGA Annual Show brings the best of the grocery industry together each year. Attendees learn important industry trends, visit with state and national officials, network to help their businesses operate more efficiently and learn from their counterparts in the grocery community,” said Ellie Taylor, president/CEO of the Alabama Grocers Association.
