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AGA NEWS
ALABAMA GROCERS ASSOCIATION HOLDS 27TH ANNUAL CONVENTION
The Alabama Grocers Association recently
held its 27th Annual Convention at the
Sandestin Beach Resort in Destin, Florida.
The Association brought members from
all aspects of the grocery industry together
to promote the growth and success of the
food industry throughout Alabama.
The convention kicked off with the Larry
D. Eddleman, Sr. Golf Classic at the
Baytowne Golf Club.
The evening followed with
a silent auction and casino
party. First Place golf winners
included Graham Minor, Trey
Day and Brad Maness with
Bevco Beverages and Pete
Mahoney with Food Giant.
A silent auction and raffle
chaired by Johnny Collins of
Dean Foods was held Monday
night which raised more than
$30,000 for the Alabama
Grocers Education Foundation.
This year the Alabama Grocers
Education Foundation awarded 61
scholarships totaling more than $59,500,
and to date has awarded more than $1.2
million in total scholarships.
The business forum was held the following
day and included Keynote Speaker, Thom
Singer, a sales and marketing veteran,
who spoke on connecting with people in a
gadget crazed world.
Mr. Eric Pulwicz, FBI Special Agent,
held an active shooter seminar and
informed attendees how to manage
real-life situations, address employer
responsibilities and develop
workplace strategies. ABC
Administrator Mac Gipson
addressed the group on the
new Off-Premise Tasting
Regulations that go into
effect August 5, 2017 and
Stacey Neumann, Vendor
Management Director,
Alabama WIC Department
addressed attendees on the
upcoming e-WIC rollout
beginning in 2018.
Lastly, an e-Commerce Panel
was held to teach attendees the
newest consumer trends and
best practices related to home delivery
and click-and-collect services. Tuesday
afternoon also included an exhibit hall
with featuring more than 70 booths from
all aspects of the grocery industry.
The Chairman’s Banquet featured
football legend Al Del Greco as celebrity
entertainment. Several awards were given
including a Joint Resolution from Senate
Agriculture Conservation and Forestry
Chair Tom Whatley commemorating the
SNAP Online Pilot Program to Jimmy
Wright, Wright’s Market.
Association Legislative Consultant Patrick
McWhorter presented Senator Jabo
Waggoner with the Spirit of Alabama
Award, which recognizes individuals that
are involved in the support of pro-business
legislation and are advocates for the
grocery community in Alabama.
s.
Sales and marketing veteran Thom Singer
was the convention's keynote speaker.
Convention attendees enjoyed a special Casino Night.
Mac Gipson, Alabama
Beverage Control Board
Chairman Greg Gregerson receives Joint Resolution in
commemoration of the Glen P Woodard FMI Award
| ALABAMA GROCER
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