The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) held its SoCal Pre-Convention Rally on Feb. 6, highlighting the crucial role of education and community in shaping the future of the grocery industry.
The event, presented by The Illuminators, drew industry leaders, sponsors and professionals to The Reef on the Water in Long Beach, California, to discuss the ongoing importance of lifelong learning and partnerships.
Pat Posey, WAFC chief operating officer, kicked off the rally by emphasizing the organization’s commitment to education as its core mission. Although the WAFC Convention is widely recognized as a premier event, Posey emphasized that its true purpose is to support and foster educational opportunities for those in the grocery sector.
The convention, which is set for May 3-7 in Palm Desert, California, is the organization’s sole fundraiser.
“Education is our mission, and it’s our purpose. Our vision is to transform lives by inspiring every person in the food industry to pursue their full potential,” Posey said. “Our mission is to champion relevant, unique and life-changing opportunities for everybody in the food industry.
“We believe in continuous learning, the power of partnership and education, and opportunities for all.”
The convention’s role is to support that mission, he added, “and together, we’re not just educating people in the grocery industry; we’re bettering their lives.”
Posey also provided insights into the WAFC’s two key educational programs: the Retail Management Certificate Program at local community colleges and the Food Industry Management Program at the University of Southern California. Both programs, according to Posey, are changing lives and leading to career advancement for many participants.
“Graduates of the RMCP program earn 33 percent more than people that don’t go through the program – and that’s a fact … And they stay longer [in the industry],” Posey said.
“Graduates of the Food Industry Management Program are three times more likely to advance to senior leadership roles in their companies. In fact, 52 percent of the people that have gone through the FIM program over the past 67 years are running companies now … This program is really about what you put into it. If you put effort into it, you’ll move ahead. It’s a great program that we should all be supporting.”
In addition to discussing the educational impact of WAFC, Posey noted that a third initiative will be unveiled at the upcoming convention.
Ryan Adams, president and CEO of Gelson’s Markets, shared his personal journey with the audience and reflected on the importance of education in his own career. Adams, who started in the industry as a courtesy clerk in 1999 at Vons and graduated from the WAFC RMCP program in 2004, brought a unique perspective on the power of learning and growth in the grocery retail sector.
“When I look at this room, it’s not just colleagues and partners and folks we interact with on a daily basis – it is a community,” Adams said. “We are a vibrant, dynamic industry that touches millions of lives every day.
“When you think about the interactions we have from start to finish, the power we have and the lives we touch is amazing.”
Adams also acknowledged the challenges that the Southern California region has faced recently, particularly devastating wildfires.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you who have stepped up during the crisis,” Adams said. “Whether it was offering shelter, donating goods or simply showing up with compassion and support, the sense of partnership has been stronger than ever before.”
He also noted his appreciation for the other retailers that reached out to him after Gelson’s lost its Palisades store in the fires. “It’s great to have those connections and those folks that really do come together as that community during the difficult times.”
He said the crisis reminded him of how important relationships are, both within the industry and within communities.
“The grocery retail industry is not just about products on shelves or transactions, it’s about people. And when disaster strikes, it’s our people, our partners, our employees and communities that allow us to rise above,” he said.
“At Gelson’s, we’ve been so thankful to our community and team members, suppliers and vendors for helping us. We have had five different first responder events that we’ve been able to support and give back the best way we know how – by feeding them.”
Adams also credited the education he received through the RMCP program for shaping his career. He recalled balancing night shifts while attending classes, which ultimately led to his leadership role at Gelson’s.
“I really do attribute the success since then to the foundation that the RMCP program put into my life,” Adams said. “Not only did it equip me with the leadership skills and industry knowledge necessary, but it also continued to spark my desire for education. I actually went back and got my degree, 10 years later.”
In addition to formal education, Adams stressed the importance of building relationships and fostering informal learning opportunities throughout one’s career. For him, the connections and partnerships forged over the years have been just as valuable as any degree or certification.
“They were the foundation for my growth both as a leader and as a person,” Adams said. “That brings me to the heart of today’s message … the importance of education in grocery retail, not just for personal growth but for the betterment of our entire industry.
“The grocery business is complex and ever-evolving. The key to success lies in our ability to adapt, learn and collaborate.”
The rally underscored the importance of education, community and collaboration in an industry that continues to evolve. As WAFC prepares for the upcoming convention, both Posey and Adams emphasized that the future of grocery retail lies in the investment made in people – whether through formal education, career development programs or the relationships built within the community.
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