2017Issue4_Alabama_v3_COVER_Proof

CHAIRMAN' S MESSAGE

d e j u v u a l l ov e r aga i n

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

Young and of course our President, James Smotherman. These people played a huge role in what the Association is today and are greatly missed! Today the Association has continued to grow and prosper while maintaining its Mission Statement, “The mission of the Alabama Grocers Association is to promote and support the growth and success of the food industry in the state of Alabama through advocacy, education, public relations and networking.” This is due to each and every one of you that have continued to support our Association and believe in the work we do every year. Thinking of all the Association has accomplished in 17 years… I would not even know where to begin. We have managed to stay relevant in a volatile market and that in itself is a huge accomplishment. These last two years as Chairman has really shown me what we are able to accomplish when we all come together for the “Good of the Industry.” We have lobbied with national organizations on the repeal of the Durbin Amendment, implemented an Association Coupon Program, started this digital magazine, continued to grow the SACK PAC and have positive impact on Alabama politics,

as my term as your Association chairman comes to an end... i cannot help but reminisce about my first go round as your chairman in 1999/2000.

Resort and watched as our attendance skyrocketed. We continue to see increase in attendance, sponsorship and the overall support of this event. It is safe to say, the Alabama market looked drastically different in 2000. Bruno’s Supermarkets, Delchamps and Winn-Dixie were the powerhouses of the market. In fact, Publix only had 3 stores in Alabama at that time and Walmart only had 37. I do not even need to go into how this has changed, those of us that have been around to watch these changes it has truly been remarkable. As I look back at the directors that are no longer with us, I cannot help but to have fond memories of those that have given greatly to our Association... Mary Lee Hardin, Wilbur Lockhart, Bill Barnes, Larry Eddleman, John Davis, Marvin

My father had just retired, AGA had just created their first website and we fought with Charles Bishop on the Food Safety Bill. Just to give you a sneak peek into where we were vs now: Membership: In 2000, we had 245 member companies, today we have grown to 350 strong. Education Foundation: In 2000 we awarded 40 scholarships, in the spring we had 22 sponsors and the fall we had 11 sponsors for our golf outings. This year alone we have awarded over 60 scholarships and had 36 golf sponsors in the spring and 36 in the fall. Convention: In 2000, we held our convention in Birmingham, Alabama celebrating our 10th Anniversary. It was just two years after this that we moved our convention to Sandestin Golf & Beach

“In 2000, we had 245 member companies, today we have grown to 350 strong.”

| ALABAMA GROCER 6