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CHAIRMAN' S MESSAGE
d e j u v u a l l ov e r aga i n
PETER GREGERSON, JR.
GREGERSON'S FOODS
AGA CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
My father had just retired, AGA had just
created their first website and we fought
with Charles Bishop on the Food Safety
Bill.
Just to give you a sneak peek into where
we were vs now:
Membership: In 2000, we had 245
member companies, today we have grown
to 350 strong.
Education Foundation: In 2000 we
awarded 40 scholarships, in the spring
we had 22 sponsors and the fall we had
11 sponsors for our golf outings. This
year alone we have awarded over 60
scholarships and had 36 golf sponsors in
the spring and 36 in the fall.
Convention: In 2000, we held our
convention in Birmingham, Alabama
celebrating our 10th Anniversary. It was
just two years after this that we moved
our convention to Sandestin Golf & Beach
Resort and watched as our attendance
skyrocketed. We continue to see increase
in attendance, sponsorship and the overall
support of this event.
It is safe to say, the Alabama market
looked drastically different in 2000.
Bruno’s Supermarkets, Delchamps and
Winn-Dixie were the powerhouses of the
market.
In fact, Publix only had 3 stores in
Alabama at that time and Walmart only
had 37. I do not even need to go into how
this has changed, those of us that have
been around to watch these changes it has
truly been remarkable.
As I look back at the directors that are no
longer with us, I cannot help but to have
fond memories of those that have given
greatly to our Association... Mary Lee
Hardin, Wilbur Lockhart, Bill Barnes,
Larry Eddleman, John Davis, Marvin
Young and of course our President, James
Smotherman. These people played a huge
role in what the Association is today and
are greatly missed!
Today the Association has continued
to grow and prosper while maintaining
its Mission Statement, “The mission of
the Alabama Grocers Association is to
promote and support the growth and
success of the food industry in the state
of Alabama through advocacy, education,
public relations and networking.”
This is due to each and every one of
you that have continued to support our
Association and believe in the work we do
every year.
Thinking of all the Association has
accomplished in 17 years… I would not
even know where to begin. We have
managed to stay relevant in a volatile
market and that in itself is a huge
accomplishment.
These last two years as Chairman has
really shown me what we are able to
accomplish when we all come together
for the “Good of the Industry.” We have
lobbied with national organizations on
the repeal of the Durbin Amendment,
implemented an Association Coupon
Program, started this digital magazine,
continued to grow the SACK PAC and
have positive impact on Alabama politics,
“In 2000, we had 245 member companies,
today we have grown to 350 strong.”
as my term as your Association chairman comes to
an end... i cannot help but reminisce about my first
go round as your chairman in 1999/2000.
| ALABAMA GROCER
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