The Alabama Grocers Association (AGA) brought members from all aspects of the grocery industry together July 13-16 for its 35th annual show at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Destin, Florida.
The show promotes the growth and success of the grocery industry in Alabama through advocacy, industry education, public relations and networking.
The July 14 business session included keynote speakers: U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate with a “National Legislative Update;” Greg Ferrara, National Grocers Association (NGA), and John Ross, Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA), on a “National Overview of the Grocery Industry;” and an Alabama Power Panel including LaQuisha Buggs, Alabama Power; Matthew Petro, LED Solutions; Kent Gicker, AI Control Solutions; and Andrew Virciglio, Piggly Wiggly.
At the end of the session, NGA’s Spirit of America Award was presented to Harold Garrett for his service on behalf of the state.
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 (AGEF) Fund the Future Event was held that night at the welcome dinner, which raised more than $40,000 for its scholarship fund.
This year, the AGEF awarded 57 scholarships valued at more than $56,500 and to date has distributed more than $1.5 million in scholarships.
The July 15 business session included Beth Z on “Seven Ways Your Company Should Be Using AI;” Sarah Mitchell Wagner, “Grocery Marketing Gets Smarter: Practical AI Tools For Real Retail Results;” and Jon Cline, FMS, on a “National Grocery Trends Overview.”
That was followed by an exhibit hall with more than 60 booths with vendors and wholesalers from all aspects of the grocery industry. United-Johnson Brothers and UTZ/Golden Flake won the AGA Annual Show Best Decorated Booth Competition.
The AGEF hosted Amy Lee of K-VA-T/Food City, Elizabeth Ripperdan of Publix and James Scott of Rouses Markets for the Alabama Best Bagger Competition, with Ripperdan being crowned the winner. She will compete in the NGA’s Best Bagger Championship next year.
For the Chairman’s Banquet that night, attendees enjoyed comedian John Morgan. New AGA officers and directors were installed. Wade Payne, Food Giant/Mitchell Grocery Corp., will serve as the chairman. Appreciation was given to Bob Crawford, United-Johnson Brothers, for his dedication and leadership for the last two years.
The Alabama Grocers Association’s Spirit of Alabama Award was presented to Mike Hanson, key account executive at Milo’s, for his leadership in the grocery industry and support for Alabama’s food economy through strong retail partnerships and promotion of locally-sourced products.
“For 35 years, the AGA Annual Show has been a cornerstone for Alabama’s grocery industry,” said Ellie Taylor, president and CEO of the Alabama Grocers Association.
“It’s an opportunity to unite our industry, share knowledge and strengthen relationships that help our members grow. I’m incredibly grateful for the progress we’ve made together over the past three-and-a-half decades – and excited for what’s ahead.”
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