2017Issue6_Alabama_v9.indd

AGA NEWS

AGA GIVE S AN NUAL YEAR AWARDS AND HOSTS LEGISLATIVE SPEAKERS AT FOOD INDUSTRY FINEST LUNCHEON The Alabama Grocers Association

economic impact on the state’s economy of over $12 billion. More than 150 people attended the event at The Club to discuss the work of the Alabama Grocers Association in 2017 and those in the state's food, beverage and grocery profession. “Each of these fine individuals hold a special place within the Alabama Grocery Industry. They are committed to growing and improving the grocery industry in Alabama,” said Ellie Taylor, President. Alabama Grocers Association. “We are and Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing Company. Eddy has been involved in the Alabama Grocers Association for over 12 years and joined the Board of Directors in 2013. He has received numerous awards and recognition for the work he has done in the food industry. He was awarded the Merit award from Campbell Sales Company in 1981 and 1987; and in 2009 received the Vendor of the Year award from the Associated Grocers of the South, the Broker of the Year from the Alabama Grocers Association and the Chairman’s Award from Advantage Sales & Marketing. “It is a great honor to be chosen for this award. To think that the people I work with would vote for me to receive such a recognition is overwhelming.” said Eddy Quinley about winning the 2017 Vendor of the Year Award.

thankful for the opportunity to honor them and their commitment.” “We are honored to have so many amazing people in the grocery industry that care about their customers and the communities they serve. The three individuals we honored today all have a high standard and level of commitment to their companies and the people of Alabama,” said Frank D’Amico, III of BTC Wholesale and Chairman of the Alabama Grocers Association. “I congratulate each of them on receiving the Associations highest honor”.

held their annual Food Industry Finest Luncheon on November 2, honoring their retailer, wholesaler and vendor of the year award winners. Speakers included Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives Mac McCutcheon, President Pro Tempore of the Senate Del Marsh and Motivational Speaker Jeremiah Castille. The food retail industry in Alabama provides over 69,000 jobs with $2.2 billion in annual wages paid. Grocers pay over $1.2 billion in state taxes and have a total Each year the Alabama Grocers Association honors three individuals for their outstanding contributions to their customers, communities and industry. This year's honorees are: Vendor of the Year Vendor of the Year is Eddy Quinley of Advantage Solutions.

ABOUT THIS YEAR'S HONOREES

Retailer of the Year Retailer of the Year is Darwin Metcalf of Western Markets. Darwin started his career at 9 years old shopping and delivering groceries for his elderly neighbors from the local A&P on

the Southside of Birmingham for 15 cents a trip. At age 10, he worked as a local paperboy making $7 a week. He continued this route until he was hired at the local

Eddy started his grocery career as a direct retail sales representative with the Campbell Sales Company, followed by opportunities at The Hershey Chocolate Company and The Harper

Darwin Metcalf

Winn-Dixie bagging groceries. In 1967, Stanley Virciglio saw Darwin bagging groceries at Winn-Dixie and offered him a job at the Western Highlands. Through the 50 years working at Western, Darwin has been a night manager, produce manager, assistant store manager, store

Eddy Quinley

Sales Company. In 1989, he started with Advantage Solutions Company in Mobile and is currently Business Development Manager calling on Associated Grocers of the South, Mitchell Grocery Corporation

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