2021_Alabama_Grocer_Issue_3

AGA NEWS

2021 Food Industry Finest Luncheon

The Alabama Grocers Association held their annual Food Industry Finest Luncheon on Wednesday, October 27 honoring their industry award winners. Speakers included Governor Kay Ivey and President and CEO of FMS Solutions Robert Graybill. The food retail industry in Alabama provides over 70,000 jobs with over $2.2 billion in annual wages paid. Grocers pay over $1.2 billion in state taxes and have a total economic impact on the state’s economy of over $12 billion. More than 150 people attended the event at The Club to discuss the work of the Alabama Grocers Association in 2021 and those in the food, beverage and grocery profession here in Alabama. The Alabama Grocers Association honored the following individuals with their year awards.

Governor Kay Ivey Keynote Speaker (Governor’s Office/ Hal Yeager)

The Retailer of the Year Award was presented to Bill Davis, Owner and Vice President of A&R Super Markets.

“It was an honor to represent our family and our company in being recognized as Retailer of the Year by our peers in the Alabama Grocers Association,” said Davis. “We appreciate everything AGA does for all of us retailers and our industry as a whole.”

The Wholesaler of the Year Award was given to Kirk Clark, Director of Merchandising for Mitchell Grocery Corporation.

“What an absolute honor for Mitchell Grocery to be recognized as Wholesaler of the Year in the State of Alabama,” said Clark. “Our entire team has a unique passion and determination to serve the independent retailer. The retailers depend on us to provide the goods and services needed as they serve and make a difference in their local communities.”

President and CEO of FMS Solutions Robert Graybill.

The Vendor of the Year award recipient was Bo Taylor, Vice President of Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED’s Central Region.

“This award from the Alabama Grocers Association is one of the personal and professional highlights of my career,” said Taylor. “However, this is truly a recognition of the hard work and dedication of our entire Coca-Cola UNITED team and affirms that we exist and excel for the benefit of our associates, con- sumers, customers and our communities.”

Year Award Winners

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