2017Issue3_Alabama_v4

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AGA NEWS
“The grocery industry in Alabama lost
an amazing person, a true entrepreneur
and a visionary that loved his state, his
community and his family. When you
would meet with Jack you could always
see the love of the grocery industry wash
over him as he told you countless stories. It
was an honor to know him and to pleasure
to work with a founding member of the
grocery industry in the State of Alabama,"
said Ellie Taylor, President, Alabama
Grocers Association.
Jack served on the Board of Governors of
the NAWGA (IDA); past president of the
Alabama Wholesale Grocery Association;
Director on the Albertville Municipal
Utilities Board; Director on the Retail
Bank Board of Directors and Director on
the Tennessee Walking Horse Trainers
Association.
In 1999, Jack was honored with the
National Grocers Association Spirit
of America Award. The NGA Spirit of
America Award, established in 1982,
honors key industry and community
figures who have provided leadership
in the areas of community services
and government relations on behalf of
a free and independent
food distribution system.
In 2006, Jack received the
Alabama Grocers Association
Wholesaler of the Year
Award. This award recognizes
deserving individuals in
the wholesale distribution
industry who provide
leadership, excellence in their
field, a passion for the grocery
industry and are an advocate
for the Association and the
state of Alabama.
Jack is the father of three
children; Karen Algie, David
Mitchell and Jay Mitchell.
He is the grandfather of 10
grandchildren and a great-grandfather of
seven great grandchildren. Jack’s favorite
hobby was the Tennessee Walking Horses.
For many of us that knew Jack Mitchell,
he helped countless people start their
careers and mentored numerous people
on their path of success. He took pride in
the success of others and will always be
remembered as a friend to the independent
grocer.
The Mitchell Family has requested that the Jack
Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Fund be endowed
in his name.
To donate, please visit
or make checks payable to the Alabama Grocers
Education Foundation, 300 Vestavia Parkway,
Ste. 3500, Birmingham, Alabama 35216.
205.823.5498.
Tom Wenning, NGA, presents Jack Mitchell with the Spirit of
America Award.
Jay Mitchell with U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby.
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