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AGA NEWS

2017. Since 2007, the Buy Alabama’s Best Campaign has raised $726,033 to fight pediatric cancer. “This generous donation from local Alabama businesses associated with the Alabama Grocers Association will help us meet our mission of working to cure every child with cancer,” said Whelan. “Children’s of Alabama is working to find a cure each and every day.” Mrs. Ellie Taylor, President, Alabama Grocers Association, announced to those in attendance that the Buy Alabama’s Best Campaign would continue to be a quarterly event. This year they will target March, June, September and December as designated months for retailers to show support of the Alabama products.

Following the presentation, a buffet featuring all Alabama food products was enjoyed by those in attendance. The purpose of the Buy Alabama’s Best Campaign is to identify and increase awareness of Alabama food products and increase sales of those products. Alabama food product sales have a $2 billion

Andy Tiption, Director of Food Safety, AL Dept. AG; Ellie Taylor, President of AGA; Commissioner John McMillan, AL Dept AG.

impact in Alabama’s economy, tax base and along with the food service industries, employ one out of every four Alabamians.

Ben Ray, Millie Ray's Rolls; Darwin Metcalf and Butch Smaters, Western Markets; and David Gulledge, CCBCU.

Wade Payne, Food Giant; Butch Smathers, Western; Don White, UTZ Golden Flake; and James Cochran, Buffalo Rock Pepsi.

Jessica Brown, AGA and Frank D'Amico, BTC Wholesale and Chairman, AGA.

Andy Tipton, AL Dept. of AG and Naseem Ajlouny, Buy Lo Quality Foods.

Harold Garrett, Gateway Foods; Kevin Gillespie, Kelley Foods and Bob Taylor, Red Diamond.

Scott OBrien, PWADC and Jason Stone, Blue Bell.

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