CONTENTS | ISSUE 1
COLUMNS
DEPARTMENTS
Chairman’s Message
Try Something New, Get Involved
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6
President’s Message
The Association Working For You
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8
Government Relations
2016: A Year to Forget
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
Inside the Beltway
Looking Ahead
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
Washington Report
Good News for Independants
. . . . . . . . . .
18
Viewpoint
Hardball Retail Lessons
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
Outside the Box
New Retail Perspectives
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
15 Minutes With…
Eric Saperston.
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36
FEATURES
Creativity Drives the New Shopping Experience
A leading futurist has a word of warning for the grocery industry: start addressing the
threat of online competition or you could end up as “Blockbusters in a Netflix world.”
One Smart Cookie
Congratulations to Bud Cason, founder and chairman of Birmingham-based Bud's Best
Cookies on his induction into the Baking Hall of Fame this February by the American
Society of Baking.
24
New Column:
MOMMY B L O G G E R
Insights into one of
your most important
customers: Moms.
Everyone Likes a Good Story
Consumers are increasingly being romanced by the stories that products are telling
about their origin, ingredients or inspiration. Mintel Global Food & Drink Analyst
Patty Johnson explains why everyone loves a good story.
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39
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ALABAMA GROCER |