AGA_2021_ConventionYearbook.indd

Alabama Grocers Association

2021 Annual Convention

Chairman’s Message

As chairman of the Alabama Grocers Association, I would like to personally welcome you to the 2021 AGA Convention and food show in beautiful Sandestin Florida. This year marks our 31st annual Convention, or possibly the redo of our 30th. Either way, it is our goal and commitment to provide each of you with the most educational and relaxing event possible.

On Tuesday from 11-12 we will have our re-vamped Retailer and Wholesaler Networking Hour. This was a huge success last year, and this year will be even better. This one-hour event is for the exhibitors to meet and get to know managers and decision makers from the retail and wholesale communities. This hour is especially important to all of our exhibitors, and we politely ask that you not bring children to this event. Then, after a few hours of relaxation, we gather for the Chairman’s Banquet, another great meal and exciting entertainment. This year we are proud to present James Gregory, one of the funniest men around. I guarantee he will have you laughing. I want to lastly say thank you to Jack Carlile, Convention Committee Chairman, Jessica Brown, and Ellie Taylor for all the work they have done again this year to make this event possible. As always, great work! Also, welcome aboard to our newest staff member, Katie Hunt, Membership and Communications Coordinator. Be sure to welcome her to the family. And if this is your first time to be with us, welcome to our convention from the AGA staff and myself, we’re glad you’re here. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY! With the year of 2020 behind us, 2021 is full of promise. It is up to us to take what we learned from last year and make our industry even stronger. It is my belief that our industry was one of the shining stars of the coronavirus pandemic. As an industry we adapted to every new rule and regulation that was handed to us, never faltering, never failed, never gave up or gave in. You all deserve a pat on the back and a few days of rest in sunny Sandestin! That being said, let’s get to it. Enjoy the 2021 AGA show, and above all, be safe on your journey home.

Harold Garett Gateway Foods

To all of you that were able to attend last year’s convention, you will notice that we were able to incorporate some of the things we learned from the “Covid Kosher” year into this year’s convention. I am sure you will like the changes. This year we are extremely fortunate to have some of the finest speakers in our industry. Monday’s business session will feature Keynote Speaker, Mr. Norman Mayne of Dorothy Lane Market who will present a Retail Survival Seminar that you will not want to miss. Mr. Michael Sansolo will present a seminar on changes in consumer behavior. It will be interesting to see how the last year has affected our shoppers. We will also have a National Legislative Overview with Chris Jones of the NGA, and an Alabama Regulatory Panel Discussion. During the Panel Discussion the Alabama ABC Board will talk about the new alcohol regulations that were passed during the legislative session. This will be a must attend session for all retailers that want to participate in home delivery of alcohol. Coming up Monday night we will be treated to a great meal and a return performance of one of Atlanta’s top party bands. Creativity Band will be making their way back to our convention this year. Last year they put on a fantastic show, so be sure not to miss it. We will be holding the Silent Auction via mobile bidding, which proved to be a huge success last year. Make sure you have your phones ready before you get there so you don’t miss out on all the action. Tuesday after breakfast, the business session will feature another great lineup. Gianetta Jones of Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED will present a seminar on diversity. Mr. Ed Fienga of Deuce Drone LLC. will be talking to the group about Drone Delivery, which I personally believe to be a real game-changer in the retail industry.

Sincerely,

Harold

Harold Garrett Chairman Alabama Grocers Association

Lastly, a most important presentation by Pat Hughes of e-growcery, discussing e-commerce and the grocery industry.

2021 Convention Annual | Page 7