AlabamaGroceryJan2017Final

CHAIRMAN' S MESSAGE

T RY S OME T H I NG N EW, G E T I NVO LV E D

PETER GREGERSON, JR. GREGERSON'S FOODS AGA CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

ideas with others in the food industry and enjoy great fellowship, and top name entertainment. How to be involved: There are many opportunities for you and your company to be involved. First and foremost, you need to register and attend for the events. This will allow you maximum time to visit with your other AGA members. Your company could have a booth in the exhibit hall, sponsor an event or even advertise in the yearbook. You could volunteer your time during the event to help the Association staff. Anything from helping hand out door prizes to serving on the Silent Auction Committee and assisting them with raising money for the foundation. Volunteer to help the staff pack goody bags, load the van, organize items before the Convention. Event: October 19 – Alabama Grocers Education Foundation, Inverness Country Club, Birmingham, Alabama Purpose: All the monies raised at this event go to fund educational sessions for our members and fund scholarships for AGA employees and children of AGA employees for college. How to be involved: Sponsor a half hole or hole at the event. Come out and play a

As the new year begins so do many traditions such as resolutions, fresh starts and reflections.

While you are working hard this year, know that AGA continues to be passionate about the grocery industry in our state and is dedicated to continuing to find ways to help our members grow and be successful. Whether it is through providing education seminars, working with regulatory agencies on your behalf, providing opportunities to network or encouraging young people to continue their education through scholarship assistance, AGA and our members continue to be the voice of the grocery industry in Alabama. As 2017 begins, I would like to challenge each of you to try something new. Attend an AGA event you have never been to, volunteer for one of the golf outings, recruit a new member, find a way to get involved with your Association this year. Many members just pay their dues (which is great) but never truly experience all AGA has to offer. Below are the 2017 events and ways you can be more involved.

Event: April 6 – Alabama Grocers Education Foundation, Inverness Country Club, Birmingham, Alabama Purpose: All the monies raised at this event go to fund educational sessions for our members and fund scholarships for AGA employees and children of AGA employees for college. How to be involved: Sponsor a half hole or hole at the event. Come out and play a round of golf with other AGA members. Volunteer your time on April 6 to help the AGA staff run this event. Volunteer to pack goody bags in advance. Donate product for the meals at this event. Join us for lunch to mingle with other AGA Members. Event: July 23-26 – Alabama Grocers Association Annual Convention, Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Destin, Florida Purpose: Bring our industry together for a few days to hear professional speakers and seminars to help improve your knowledge and help you operate your business more effectively. You will have the opportunity for extensive networking, discussion and expanding

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