AGA 2022 Convention Yearbook

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Contact Information •New Account Managers •Brian Butcher - 256-307-9671 •Maggie Phipps - 229-686-8358 •Tommy Coghlan - 601-612-4122 •Director of Retail Operations - Jeff Brown - 205-830-9180 Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing Co. Inc., 2400 J. Terrell Wooten Drive, Bessemer, Alabama 35020

Alabama Grocers Association 2022 Annual Convention July 24th - 26th Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

The mission of the Alabama Grocers Association is to promote the growth and success of the food industry in the state of Alabama through advocacy, education, public relations and networking. TABLE OF CONTENTS Four Star Convention Sponsors _________5 Chairman’s Message __________________7 Officers & Directors _________________9-11 Convention Chairman Message _________11 Business Session Speakers _________12-16 Retail Convention Partners ____________16 Monday Night Entertainment ___________18 Tuesday Night Entertainment __________21 Convention Sponsors ______________23-25 Education Foundation Trustees _________28 Scholarship Award Winners _________30-32 Convention Schedule ______________34-35 Exhibitor Listing _____________________37 Retailer Member Listing ____________38-54 Wholesaler Member Listing ___________56 AGEF Sponsors _____________________56 Vendor Member Listing ____________57-66

ADVERTISERS Alabama Crown Distributing _______________________________50 Alabama Power Company ________________________________33 Associated Grocers of the South _______________ Inside Back Cover Associated Wholesale Grocers _____________________________26 Better Choice Power _____________________________________40 Bevco Beverages _______________________________________55 Bimbo Bakeries _________________________________________29 Blue Bell Creameries ____________________________________36 Buffalo Rock - Pepsi ______________________________ _______ 19 Byars | Wright _________________________________________42B Campbell’s Snacks ______________________________________24 Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED, Inc. ________________ Back Cover Crystal Farms __________________________________________46 Don Francisco’s Coffee __________________________________63 Dutch Farms ___________________________________________48 Federated Insurance _____________________________________17 Flowers Baking Co. _____________________________________14 Frito-Lay, Inc. __________________________________________31 Harvest Sherwood Food Distributors ________________________60 Johnny Fleeman’s Gourmet ______________________________53B Mayfield Dairy Farms ____________________________________13 Merrill Lynch ____________________________________________8 Mitchell Grocery Corporation _______________________________6 Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing _____________ Inside Front Cover Red Diamond, Inc. ______________________________________27 Retail Data Systems Mid-South ____________________________41 Shelby Reporter ________________________________________20 Truno, Retail Technology Solutions __________________________44 UNFI _________________________________________________10 United Johnson Brothers _________________________________22 UTZ Quality Foods/Golden Flake ____________________________4 Wells Expertises ________________________________________51 Winn-Dixie ___________________________________________37B

2022 Convention Annual | Page 3

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Flowers Baking Company of Birmingham Frito-Lay Merrill Lynch Red Diamond, Inc. Retail Data Systems Mid-South Truno, Retail Technology Solutions UNFI United Johnson Brothers UTZ Quality Foods / Golden Flake

Blue Bell Creameries Buffalo Rock - Pepsi Campbell’s Snacks Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc. Don Francisco’s Coffee Federated Insurance

2022 Convention Annual | Page 5

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CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Welcome back to the Greatest Grocery Show on Earth! As Chairman of the Alabama Grocers Association, I would like to officially welcome you

Oh, but the fun doesn’t stop there! Monday evening is filled with receptions and children’s programs. Then we all meet up for the Welcome Dinner at 7:00 p.m. featuring entertainment from Cool Rayz, a tropical and variety music band, and the Education Foundation’s Silent Auction. Everybody get your bid on for that! Tuesday again starts bright and early at 7:00 a.m. with breakfast. Then we will once again join for the business session at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday’s session is jam-packed with informative speakers beginning with presentations from the National Computer Forensics Institute discussing Crypto-Currency and Dr. Glenn Richey presenting Logistics and the Supply Chain, all leading up to Mr. Jesse Lewis speaking to us about his experiences over the six decades in his Grocery career. For all of those interested, Bingo starts at 11:00 a.m. (Don’t get in the way, those folks take bingo seriously!) 11:00 a.m. to noon is also the time we have set aside for retailers and wholesalers to network in the Exhibit Hall before opening the doors to all our attendees and their families from noon until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon and evening is also filled with receptions and children’s programs all leading up to the Chairman’s Banquet. This year will be highlighted by the hilarious Jimmy Travis! Well, that’s it for the 2022 show. I hope you and your family/group enjoy yourself and have gained some useful knowledge while you’re here that you can use to give you an advantage in your business. I am very thankful to be a small part of the greatest industry in the world! Be safe on your journey home. God bless you, your family, and the AGA.

Harold Garrett Gateway Foods and your families to the beautiful Sandestin Resort for our 32nd Annual Convention! This year Jack Carlile and his Committee have put together an excellent line-up of speakers and entertainers that I’m sure you will enjoy. Before I get into the convention line up, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to Jack Carlile, our Convention Committee Chairman, and our Association Staff, Ellie Taylor, Stephanie Crabtree, and Tori O’Neal. Thank you for all the time and effort they have put into making sure we all have a very educational and relaxing time while we are here. Also, I would be amiss if I didn’t mention the newest additions to the AGA staff. Stephanie Crabtree is our new Event and Education Director, and Tori O’Neal is our new Membership and Communications Director. If you have not met them yet, please take a minute to introduce yourself and welcome them to the family. I can now officially pass down the job of getting the word out to, “Make sure you download the App!” to these two young ladies. Looking at the schedule for the next few days, you will notice that we have again used the format that we created during the 2020 convention, which allows for more one-on-one interaction between the vendors, manufacturers and retailers - maybe some good did come from that time. Monday starts early with breakfast and the registration desk opening at 7:00 a.m. This is followed by our business session with featured presentations ranging from Mr. Kevin Paul Scott’s session of “Looking at Employees Through a New Lens,” the National Computer Forensics Institute discussing Cyber Security, Auburn University presenting their Economic Impact Study, to hearing from Mr. Matt Cate as he discusses Rising Healthcare Cost and How to Combat It. We will also have our Annual Business Meeting before breaking for lunch.

Sincerely, Harold Garrett Harold Garrett Chairman Alabama Grocers Association

2022 Convention Annual | Page 7

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AGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS

Harold Garrett Chairman Gateway Foods

Bob Crawford Vice Chairman United Johnson Brothers

Frank D’Amico III Immediate Past Chairman BTC Wholesale Distributors

Greg Gregerson Past Chairman Gregerson’s Foods

Jay Mitchell Treasurer JMBL, Inc.

James Cochran Secretary Buffalo Rock

Bo Taylor Sgt-at-Arms Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc.

Ellie Taylor President / CEO Alabama Grocers Association

VICE PRESIDENTS

Jack Carlile UNFI

Bill Davis A&R Super Markets, Inc.

Wade Payne Food Giant, Inc.

Tom Sayers Publix Super Markets, Inc.

Jimmy Wright Wright’s Market

DIRECTORS

Naseem Ajlouny Buy-Lo Quality Foods

Stan Alexander Associated Grocers of the South

Kirk Clark Mitchell Grocery Corporation

Chris Crosby UTZ / Golden Flake

Gerry D’Alessandro Fresh Value

Paul Burnett Byars | Wright

2022 Convention Annual | Page 9

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AGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONTINUED

DIRECTORS CONTINUED

Kevin Gillespie Kelley Foods

Lucy Greer Autry Greer & Son’s

Kenneth Jones Rouses Enterprises

Keith Knight Associated Wholesale Grocers

Jerry McCann Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing

Greg Rains Alabama Crown

Lynn Rushing Southeastern Grocers/Winn-Dixie

Manny Shoemaker Acosta Sales & Marketing

Alison Steineker Alabama Power Company

Cliff Thomas Campbell’s Snacks

Charles Weathington UNFI

Chris Woods Retail Data Systems

EX-OFFICIO

STAFF

Patrick McWhorter Legislative Consultant

Stephanie Crabtree Event & Education Director

Mac Otts Autry Greer & Son’s

John Wilson Super Foods Supermarkets

Tori O’Neal Membership & Communications Director

CONVENTION CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE Welcome back to beautiful Sandestin! These events take tireless commitment from a committee of dedicated individuals. This year’s committee had the daunting task of getting our group back on track and have done an amazing job! Thank you to each and every one of the 2022 AGA Convention Committee members: Kirk Clark, Mitchell Grocery; Gerry D’Alessandro, Fresh Value; Frank D’Amico, BTC Wholesale Distributors; Greg Gregerson, Gregerson’s Foods; Lynn Rushing, Southeast Grocers / Winn-Dixie; Charles Weathington, UNFI; and Chris Woods, Retail Data Solutions. We hope you enjoy the schedule we have put together this year, and we are thankful that you have decided to join us. While you are here, if you need anything, please look for an AGA Board Member or staff member. We are always willing to help and want to make sure your time with us is memorable. Jack Carlile UNFI

2022 Convention Annual | Page 11

BUSINESS SESSION SPEAKERS LOOKING AT EMPLOYEES THROUGH A NEW LENS Kevin Paul Scott has traveled to six continents and spoken to leaders from more than 100 countries. Kevin co-founded the leadership consultancy ADDO, which is Latin for “Inspire.” For consecutive years, ADDO was the #1 Small Business on the “Best Places to Work” list in Atlanta. ADDO developed the national Chick-fil-A Leader Academy program, the Baltimore Ravens Leadership Institute, and helps companies attract and develop top talent. Kevin is the author of three books, including the latest The Lens . Kevin is a frequent guest on numerous media outlets, including Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC. CYBER SECURITY Representatives from the National Computer Forensics Institute will provide a briefing on cyber security, which will include the best practices for avoiding Credit Card Skimming, Phishing, and Data Breaches. The session will conclude with a brief question and answer period.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY STUDY RESULTS

Matthew Robichaux and William Wells will present their findings on the grocery industry’s economic impact in Alabama. This study analyzes economic data and shows how the grocery industry positively impacts community, health and family in the State of Alabama.

RISING HEALTHCARE COSTS AND HOW TO COMBAT IT Matt Cate is a Senior Vice President at Cobbs Allen. He specializes in assisting Employee Benefits clients with their employee benefit programs that attract and retain top talent. His expertise is working with clients to establish long-term strategies to manage their healthcare costs. His experience includes concentrating on reducing his clients’ health insurance costs, and in particular, moving clients from fully insured to self-insured health platforms. Prior to joining Cobbs Allen, Matt was a medical device representative for Stryker Instruments, where he sold and consulted on surgical equipment. Matt received the 2014 WolfPack Award recognizing him as the top associate producer and the 2016 Grizzly Award, recognizing him as the top senior producer. He is the only Cobbs Allen producer to win both awards. Matt currently serves as the Vice President of the Junior Board for Firehouse Ministries.

He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Auburn University.

2022 Convention Annual | Page 12

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NATIONAL COMPUTER FORENSICS INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

The National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI) is a state-of-the-art, 40,000 square foot facility located in Hoover, Alabama. This innovative facility is the nation’s premier law enforcement training facility in cyber and electronic crime forensics. The NCFI seeks to educate state, local, tribal, territorial law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges in the continually evolving cyber and electronic crime related threats, and educate, train and equip them with the tools necessary for forensic examinations to combat those crimes. Today’s high-tech environment presents new challenges to law enforcement and the justice system as cyber criminals exploit computers, mobile devices, and the internet. In our digital world, law enforcement must be trained and prepared to solve all types of criminal cases from a multitude of electronic or digital devices. The NCFI addresses emerging technologies and related crimes by providing basic to some of the most advanced cyber forensics education and training available to law enforcement throughout the nation.

CRYPTO-CURRENCY The National Computer Forensics Institute will discuss digital currency, the process of monetizing digital wallets to merchandise, and possible fraud techniques that cyber criminals sometimes use in conjunction with digital currency.

LOGISTICS & THE SUPPLY CHAIN, WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

government intervention and disaster recovery. He has won numerous awards for his research - including the Cavusgil Award impact award for the best contribution to international marketing management in Journal of International Marketing and the LaLonde award for the best paper in supply chain management & logistics in the Journal of Business Logistics. Richey has taught students and executives across 26 countries and has served as a visiting faculty in residence at BEM Dakar (SN), Bilkent University (TUR), Bond University (AUS), University of Bath (UK), University of Edinburgh (UK), University of Missouri (US), KEDGE Business School (FRA – Bordeaux & Marseille), and Mediterranean School of Business (TUN). He previously worked in managerial positions in manufacturing, procurement, sales and supply chain/logistics operations with Scott Paper Company and Genuine Parts Company. Dr. Glenn Richey is the Harbert Eminent Scholar and Chair of the Supply Chain Management Department at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business. He is in the second year of a five-year term as the co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Business Logistics and is an associate editor at the Journal of Supply Chain Management. He has published more than 100 logistics, supply chain management, management, marketing, and international business articles in peer reviewed, scholarly journals since 2001. Richey’s research examines supply chain relationship governance, company internationalization, technological integration,

2022 Convention Annual | Page 15

BUSINESS SESSION SPEAKERS

SIX DECADES OF GROCERY KNOWLEDGE

Jesse Lewis was born and grew up on a farm in Jasper County, Mississippi. Lewis’s grocery career began in 1957 with Kroger in Birmingham, Alabama. During over six decades, Lewis has filled positions from Stock Clerk to Store Manager to Chairman & CEO. Including District Manager, Director of Produce, VP Store Operations, Senior VP COO and President CEO. Lewis has served on the board of directors of four supermarket chains, one wholesale grocery company, The Case Knife Co, The

Cutlery World Stores, Parker Cutlery and Noble Associates (a marketing firm). He has served on numerous Civic and Food Industry boards including The American Cancer Society, Cherokee Area Council of The Boy Scouts. He has served on the board of three state grocery associations and Food Distributors International. Lewis continues to be active in the food industry with the JAL Consulting LLC. Lewis is a Veteran of the U.S. Army, a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner. Jesse and Joyce have been married 62 years, are the parents of two children, have five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. They are active members of Moon Lake Baptist Church in Mentone, Alabama. THANK YOU RETAIL CONVENTION PARTNERS

2022 Convention Annual | Page 16

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The Shelby Report Region Wise. Nationwide.

Monthly Print & Digital Editions • Web Exclusives • Daily E-Newsletters • Breaking News

The Shelby Report of the Southwest Your source for grocery news and insights since 1967

Region Wise. Nationwide. The Shelby Report of the Southeast APRIL 2021

APRIL 2021

H-E-B eyes expansion into Dallas-ForthWorthmarket Stores in Frisco, Plano will open in fall 2022

AMC returns as NAMI, FMI shift popular event online

The Shelby Report of the Midwest FEBRUARY 2021 Your source for grocery news and insights since 1967

by Eric Pereira / staff writer The way Jimmy Wright sees it, the COVID-19 pandemic exac erbated a long-simmering issue for independent grocers. “For years, we’ve been only able to get discounted prices on certain items every eight to 12 weeks, where our big box competitors are getting that pricing every day,” said Wright, who owns Wright’s Market in Opelika, Alabama. In order to compete, he added, his company has to buy large quantities of these key items while the discount pricing is available. But this, in turn, can put a strain on monies they could use to rein vest in the business, employees or the community. Big box retailers and e-commerce giants have reportedly used their influence during the pandemic to further disadvantage independent grocers and the communities they serve. That’s the position of the National Grocers Association, which on Tuesday held a press call featuring Wright and others that detailed the organization’s efforts to combat what it referred to as economic discrimination. Key to that push is the release of a 24-page white paper, which “lays out specific data and stories from independent community grocers across the country, testifying to their struggle to stay compet itive during the pandemic.” According to Chris Jones, SVP of government relations and counsel for NGA, the organization plans to present the report to Congress in the hopes lawmakers will modernize and enforce the federal antitrust laws. “The white paper incorporates hours of interviews, discussion and feedback that NGA received from its members to explain how the lack of antitrust enforcement has handicapped competition Please see page 34 Central Florida grocer: Suppliers ‘have finally realized’ importance of smaller independents by Eric Pereira / staff writer H-E-B is planning to bring its flagship H-E-B brand stores to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in fall 2022, with locations set for Frisco and Plano. H-E-B is building a store at Legacy Drive and Main Street in Frisco, while the Plano location will be at Preston Road and Spring Creek Parkway. Additional details about the stores will be shared at he groundbreakings, which are projected for this summer. A Texas-based company, H-E-B’s presence in the metroplex runs deep. As a multi-format retailer, the company has served the broader community for two decades with its Central Market stores. Introduced to the DFW area in 2001, they are in Dallas, Plano, Southlake and Fort Worth. H-E-B stores also are in communities near the metroplex, includ ing Burleson, Hudson Oaks, Granbury and Waxahachie. In addition, H-E-B’s Favor Delivery serves 29 cities across the metro area. “This is an exciting day as we share plans to expand our presence The Griffin Report of the Northeast a Shelby Publication FEBRUARY 2021 Your source for grocery news and insights since 1967 Big Ymakes appointments of third-gene ation NGA aims to address antitrust laws Report to Congress cites economic discrimination facing small grocers

Your source for grocery news and insights since 1967

The Dakotas weathering pandemic better than some of their neighbors Association execs: Optimism, opportunity abound for 2021 by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer The Shelby Report of the West JANUARY 2021 Your source for grocery news and insights since 1967 One thing that has set the Dakotas apart from other states during the COVID-19 pandemic is that neither has had a shutdown. Nathan Sanderson, president of the South Dakota Retailers Association sees this as a positive for grocers across his state in 2021. “I think that in South All in all, though, grocers in the Dakotas faced the booming business as well as some of the same issues of their counterparts across the nation. “Certainly, 2020 was a year of challenges and opportunities for grocers. Early on in the pandemic, like grocers from around the country, those folks were interested in doing what they can to protect their customers,” Sanderson said. “I think that supply issues, and customer health and safety issues were top of mind at the beginning of the pandemic…grocery stores were among the first to put up Plexiglass shields and hand sanitizer stations.” Unexpected out-of-stocks, new safety procedures rolling out every week, implementing special shopping hours for at-risk populations – retailers and their teams used their independent flexibility and inge nuity to adapt in ways they could have never imagi ed a year ago. Reacting to the significant, evolving ways IGA retailers were going to market in 2020, IGA’s evaluation of stores fo its Five Star Retailers list also adapted. The 2020 assessment pivoted to reflect the changes the stores were going through. Please see page 32 IGA’s Five Star Retailers list reflects evolvi g landscape Assessment IDs tactical ways ‘we can help you do better’ It goes without sayi g hat 2020 was an intense year, especially for independent retailers and their teams.

Format engaged attendees with workshops, networking by Eric Pereira / staff writer

The 2021 Annual Meat Conference, sponsored by NAMI and FMI – The Food Industry Association, was held March 22-25, showcasing “the latest meat and poultry products and the goods and services retailers need to increase their bottom line.” Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the conference took place virtually this year. However, it featured enough technological specs to make attendees feel as if they were in the same room. There were daily sessions covering a variety of ways to explore the latest developments in meat retailing. Hours of live educational content with recordings of the events also was provided on demand. Thought leaders in all sectors of the supply chain gave presentations throughout the week. Speakers included Anne-Marie Roerink, Chris Riddell and Ron Elving, among others. A virtual exhibit hall displayed new products and offered the opportunity for collaboration. Attendees could also cut loose and enjoy social activities, including trivia and games More than 50 meat suppliers were available to talk about their best and latest products. As noted on its website, AMC is the “only industry event dedicated to connectingmeat and poultry retail buyers with suppliers resulting in meaningful and engaging interaction.” Each exhibitor had a profile page with an introductory video to its brand, as well as the prod ucts and services offered. Extensive documents also were available to download to provide a greater understanding of what these companies have to offer. Visitors could use the “book a meeting feature” or instant chat option.

Products made in the Midwest sought for Localization Summit Meijer holding virtual event across its six-state footprint

Independents nationwide eye another strong year in 2021

He went on to note that they also installed sanitizing wipes at the entrance of stores, put directional markers on the floors and aisles and established social-distancing marks on the floors at checkout. “I think that early on, especially, when indi viduals were in a little bit of a panic mode, that was when you were seeing people buying toilet paper by the case and hoarding certain types of items, certain staple items. And so…there were a number of supply issues for grocers.” Please see page 9 Cal fornia grocery industry comes together to support City of Hop Fu draisers ai cancer res rch and clinical care Through two separate fundraisers this fall – the Harvest Festival Ball and the Hope Campaign – fri nds and supporters raised more than $850,000 for the City of Hope. COH is a Duarte, California-based independent biom dical research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Harvest Festival Ball Ci y of Hope’s Food Industry Circles g oup held the ball on Nov. 7 to support its cancer and diabe tes research and clinical care. Three regions of FIC – SCFIC, NCFIC, PNWFIC – brought together undreds of company leaders, D’Amour family Brothers to help lead new, expanding divisions The Big Y Foods Board of Directors has announced the promotion of two third-generation D’Amour family members. Colin M. D’Amour has been named senior director of Big Y Express Gas & Convenience Stores division, and Christian P. D’Amour has been named direc tor of e-commerce. Both appointments repre sent new and expanding divi ions within the company. The D’Amours report to Richard D. Bossie, SVP of operations and customer experience. Big Y Foods Inc. is one of the largest independently owned super market chains in New England. It operates 85 locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut, including 71 supermarkets, Fresh Acres Market, Table & Vine FineWines and Liquors and 12 Big Y Express gas and convenience loc tions with nearly 12,000 employe s. Colin M. D’Amour Christian P. D’Amour in China, which has been dealing with the coronavirus longer than any other country, and research frommulti ple sources on changing shopper behavior, here are my predictions for the grocery industry – and independents in particular – over the course of the next several years. First half of 2021 The good news? Now is the perfect time to reinvest in your store. New signage, a fresh paint job and fixing broken ceiling tiles and flooring go a longway. According to Invista 2020 research, newdécor has been creating 1 to 3 percent comps on top of the COVID bump. The research also says that new signage and updat ing a brand pleases shoppers, with more than half saying they think a store that updates interiors also buys healthier food. Nakul Patel, owner of Mt. Plymouth IGA Market in Sorrento, Florida, said consumers and the supply chain have gained a deeper appreciation for independent grocers during COVID-19 pandemic – and that feeling is likely to continue. “I truly believe that the independent grocer will thrive this decade,” Patel said. “The manu facturers have realized the importance of independents and are spending huge dollars on digital marketing. Through IGA, we are running a digital ad and leveraging scale to Please see page 3 Retailers who take the time to re-evaluate messag ing in-store and in their advertising will sustain share. Shoppers loved knowing they were shopping a local family chain during COVID, so pulsing upmessaging like “local” and “independent” will pay dividends for years. CPG brands will innovate Expect to see a rash of innovation from CPG brands. Many brands delayed new products during COVID-19, so there will be a backlog of cool items hitting shelves. Also expect to see manufacturer discounting and national promotions accelerate. Brands will need to earn spots on shelves, and in some cases, re-earn them. Provide value-focused solutions Colin D’Amour’s responsibilities include oversight of store opera tions, site selection, site acquisition and day-to-day responsibility for product procurement including fuel for this division. Currently, there are 12 Big Y Express locations with four more planned for the coming year. It will come at a good time. Artificial government stimulus will have expired by summer, and the realities of our bifurcated economy (some industries surging, others languishing) will hit many consumers hard. Retailers and brands need to be thinking ahead to E-commerce will become a normal part of most retail ers' core operations. By the end of 2021, most will have figured out how to serve online shoppers. Retailers who don’t invest in e-commerce nowmay find they missed it. Trying to build a digital relationship in the future will be costly, as you will be forced to buy back online shop pers from other retailers. By year end, online grocery will run over 5 percent nationally, but in many commu nities it will be much higher. Locally owned stores in resort communities or with older consumers will figure out how to market to indi viduals who don’t want to or can’t easily get into our stores. Once connected to e-commerce, retailers will discover that these shoppers are intensely loyal. 2022 and beyond Founded in 1936 by brothers Paul and Gerald D’Amour, the store was named after an intersection in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where two roads converge to form a “Y.” With COVID-19 behind us, you might expect shop pers to go back to their old ways. But issues of safety and health will stay with us for a very long time. Expect healthy eating, safety and clean stores (and restaurants) to be critical decision-making factors when shoppers pick a store. Clean, updated stores Research has shown for a long time that when shop pers see cracked floor tiles, dirty restrooms or missing ceiling tiles, they assume the food is low quality. This new, health-paranoid mindset will intensify shopper fear for decades. Retailers need to learnhow to see their stores through the shoppers’ eyes. If a store is known as local, fresh and safe, it has a very bright future. Plesase see 18 I am not talking about running our normal sales ads here. Instead, think about how you can package meal solutions and harness private label with CPG deals to make meal dollars to help families. Need will vary and, as always, it will be intensely personal and local – every thing IGA does well. E-commerce becomes norm

NGA aims to address antitrust laws Report to Congress cites economic discrimination facing small grocers Please see page 34 “I think the independents that saw that the landscape was shifting, and how dramatically it was shifting because of COVID and jumped on board, will be the ones that are successful,” Rybick said. “If anyone was hesitant about adopting new things, I think technology is only going to increase at an even faster pace than we’ve already seen, so do your home work and make sure that you don’t get left behind.” On the other side of the country, it’s a similar story in eastern Washington. That’s where Phil Blackburn owns four IGA grocery stores, two of which are general market and the others Hispanic-oriented. In 2021, he expects another good year for independent grocers. “We’re still holding with a lot larger basket size, so that shows us that people are going into smaller stores and independents rather than the big, crowded superstores. And they’re buying a lot more per trip,” he said. “We’ve noticed a real solid trend toward people are really starting to try things that, perhaps two years ago, we couldn’t sell.” And likemany retailers, Blackburn’s stores alsoare turningmore toe-commerce. Those that have used pandemic ‘to adopt technology will thrive’ Phil Blackburn IGA offers initiatives, help to keep pace with the trends For this month’s feature in The Griffin Report of The Northeast, we catch up with independent grocers, w olesalers and distributors. Our friends at IGA, NGA and ROFDA, among others, reflect on last year’s pandemic-generated upheaval and take a deep dive into what 2021 and beyond might hold for the groce y industry. But first, let’s hear from some local retailers. by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer At Geissler’s Supermarkets in Connecticut, CEO Robert Rybick said last year will end up being the springboard to what 2021 is going to hold. The way he sees it, indepe dent grocers need to have “a serious focus on executing all of these new tools we have in the toolbox now.”

Dakota…there was something more akin to normal than what a lot of other states had,” Sanderson said. “Certainly, it wasn’t normal in a traditional sense, but it was closer to that…I don’t think that grocery stores in New awards program to honor diversity, equity and inclusion Shelby seeking nominations for first ‘icons’ Nathan Sanderson

Meijer is holding its first virtual Localization Summit on April 1, giving local businesses across its six-state footprint the opportunity to

showcase their offerings to Meijer merchants. “We are proud to be a Midwestern retailer and want to carry products that highlight our communities,” said Peter Whitsett, EVP of

The Shelby Report’s coverage of the conference begins on Page 20.

merchandising and marketing. “Each Meijer store should represent its customers and the community that makes those customers unique. “This event gives us the chance to source products fromour custom ers’ hometowns, which makes their shopping experience even more meaningful.” The summit will focus on the following categories: grocery, includ ing fresh, deli and bakery; baby; beauty and personal care; and over the-counter and wellness. Businesses that manufacture or grow retail-ready products in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan or Wisconsin can apply by Feb. 19, for consideration at www.rangeme.com/ meijerlocal2021. “Many small, local businesses offer great products but can be hesi tant to approach a major retailer because they are not necessarily ready to distribute to hundreds of stores,” said Jamie Akemann, group VP of global sourcing, indirect procurement, supplier diversity and product quality at Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer. “This is the perfect opportunity for those businesses. The point of this summit is to bring in local businesses and accommodate what they can do now, while also building a partnership to help them grow in the future.” Please see page 34 Meg Major

South Dakota are going to see quite as large of swings as what you might expect or anticipate in some other states, generally speaking. I think grocers are pretty optimistic about 2021.” To John Dyste, president of the North Dakota Grocers Association, it is no secret why the state hasn’t required a shutdown. “[It] is real rural. There were Nominations are now open for Shelby Publishing’s newDiversity, Equity and Inclusion Industry Icons award p ogram, which will launch in 2021 to recognize the most iconic leaders working to advance and uphold diver sity, equity and inclusion in the U.S. grocery indu try. Shelby will recognize and celebrate DEI Icons across all sectors of the retail food industry – retailers, wholesalers, distributors, suppliers/ vendors and solutions providers – that demon portions of the state that didn’t have a case until mid-, maybe even late-summer. Near your larger metropolitan areas, of course, they had some,” Dyste John Dyste

INSIDE For this month’s feature in The Shelby Report of the Midwest, we catch up with independent grocers, wholesalers and distributors. Our friends at IGA, NGA and ROFDA, among others, I ndependent G rocers , W holesalers & d IstrIbutors THE SHELBY REPORT OF THE MIDWEST • FEBRUARY 2021 17 COLUMN Taking a peek past pandemic – predictions for 2021 and beyond by John Ross President and CEO of IGA Your inboxes likely are filled with looks back at 2020 and reflec tions on all the craziness that ensued. Instead, I want to look forward to the years ahead in our industry. Using insights from our stores they are anxious to get back to dining out; 25 percent say they won’t go back to cooking at home when it is safe to eat out. Cooking at home here to stay Most Americans say they will continue to eat food cooked at home. They have learned new skills, how to save money and make healthier food for their families. The majority of Americans say they will eat out less than they did before the pandemic. Must earn shoppers again Communities will be thankful for their local stores, but the hero image of the hourly cashier risking their health to help their community will fade. Local grocers will once again have to earn shoppers based on service and quality, not just fear that bigger chains are less safe. Investing in décor, marketing packaging value as a part of their marketing – not as a gimmick to increase temporary share, but as a sustained service to help them keep their families fed. Shawn Yambor, left, owns Fairvalue IGA in Lenoir, North Carolina, which has been named an IGA Five Star Retailer. On Nov. 10, his stor played host to the first IGA Global Rally Virtual Conference. Yambor is joined here by John Ross, president and CEO of IGA. from retailers, suppliers and manufacturers to distributors and brokers. About 250 people logged into Zoom to attend. reflect on last year’s pandemic generated upheaval and take a deep The COVID-19 virus and vaccine will continue to dominate headlines. Consumers will stay polarized, with some fearful of both the disease and the vaccine, and others anxious to get it all behind them. Conspiracy theories will continue, but their entertainment value (and credibility) will fade as consumers move on to something else. For the grocery industry, this means episodic outbreaks in some local communities. Comp sales will continue to be positive in January and February, but as we lap virus effects, will have to compare 2021 to 2019 to get a real read on if we are growing or losing share. I encourage you to set up a comp sales chart, as knowing if we are growing or losing share is critical. A return to restaurants?

by Eric Pereira / staff writer The way Jimmy Wright sees it, the COVID-19 pandemic exac erbated a long-simmering issue for independent grocers. “For years, we’ve been only able to get discounted prices on certain items every eight to 12 weeks, where our big box competitors are getting that pricing every day,” said Wright, who owns Wright’s Market in Opelika, Alabama. In order to compete, he added, his company has to buy large quantities of these key items while the discount pricing is available. But this, in turn, can put a strain on monies they could use to rein vest in the business, employees or the community. Big box retailers and e-commerce giants have reportedly used their influence during the pandemic Robert Rybick

said. “But really, up until prob ably the Labor Day weekend, there wasn’t much. The state could handle it…from a busines standpoint. Early on, we had very, very few cases. “It got pretty bad in November, and the gover nor put in a mask mandate. And the hospitals were getting pretty full. Now he’s leaving the mask mandate on, but he’s opening up the state considerably because I think we’ve gone four or five days in a rowwith no deaths – lowering posi tive rates and lowering hospital rates. Right now, things appear to be a lot better.” strat an exemplary commitment to driving and imparting positive changes across their organizations by removing barriers and creating environments where individuals can thrive as their authentic selves. “It’s been said that it takes many different flowers make a bouquet,” said Stephanie Reid, president and publisher of Shelby Publishing. “In the same vein, we are extremely proud to launch a program to honor the industry’s most influential compa ies that are working collaboratively to build more diverse, equitabl a d inclusive climat s both at their workplaces and the community at large.” The program, whichwill be presented in Shelby’s Marc issues and o its website, will spotlight the most deserving honorees who are taking above-and-beyond measures to adv ce diversity, equity and inclusion in their companies, communitie nd the industry as a whole in three classes – retailers; wholesalers and distributors; and suppliers, solutions providers and sales and marketing agencies. All three categories will recognize high-performing, benchmark driven nominees that have set the standard for exemplary diversity, equity and inclusion practices and advocacy efforts. Other requirements by class include the following: Please see page 34

dive into what 2021 and beyond might hold for the grocery industry. We’ll also hear from some local retailers. The feature begins on page 16. The ev nt included a celebration of 20 years of Kids 4 Hope, honor ing founders, the Kevin Davis and Paul Christianson families. In addi tion, the Pat Posey family as well as Scott Drew, 2020 President of the Southern California Food Industry, receiv d the Spirit of Life award. The event featured a conversa tion between chef, TV host and restaurateur Guy Fieri and his longtime friend Sammy Hagar, a rock legend, Grammy Award winner and entrepreneur. The men are partners in Santo Tequila. Over half of consumers will warily return to restau rants and dining out, but many smaller chains won’t make it. Total dining capacity likely is to be contracted through the end of 2021 and into the following year, though eventually restauranteurs will see pent-up demand and reopen or start new restaurants. Invest in prepared foods Grocers who take this time to up their game in deli and prepared foods will reap long-term share. A local grocery store’s prepared foods are the freshest sources of complete meals in town. Innovate here: start new fresh menu options, build a sandwich program, invest in talent (which is out there, right now still struggling to find employment in restau rant and hospitality). Hire a chef and let him or her see how much nicer it is to work a regular schedule in a grocery store rather than the late night/long hours in restaurants. Give the chef the latitude to build a cool local breakfast/lunch/ dinner solution. Manufacturer partnerships Manufacturers will be anxious to ramp up volume. There will be an odd period of escalating sales in dine out, but strength in grocery. Brands that invest in grocery channels will reap big rewards, as millions of consumers now know how to cook and shop in ways they didn’t before. E-commerce remains strong E-commerce will stay solid, even as we lap the panic buying of spring 2020. Grocers who haven’t done so can still get in on the action, but that window is tightening. E-commerce shoppers are more likely to stay loyal to their grocer, less likely to deal-shop, and more likely to expand baskets into meat and produce. Back half of 2021 As the vaccine starts to reach more consumers, many will flock to restaurants. About a third of Americans say

Please see page 34

Please see page 34

Rybick is one of the fourth-generation owners of Geissler’s Supermarkets, founded in 1923 by his great grandfather, Adolf Geissler, in the Connecticut village of Broad Brook. After Rybick finished graduate school, he returned to the family business to work as an assistant grocery manager. He had gone to college intent on pursu ing a different career, but was drawn back in. Today, he serves as president and CEO of the company, a role he’s held since January 2019. What’s kept Geissler’s in business for almost a century? Having a finger on the pulse of trends for independent grocers definitely helps. Especially amidst the pandemic.

Pat Posey (from left), Kevin Davis and Carol and Paul Christianson

Please see page 34

Fieri and Hagar each donated several unique auction items, including a signed Santo Tequila branded guitar, a signed 7” Santuko chef ’s knife from Fieri’s “Knuckle Sandwich” brand line and a

BONUS CONTENT INSIDE: In celebration of the year just ending, The Shelby Report is sharing some of its region-specific content that those who subscribe to just one or two of our print editions may have missed. For our West readers this month, that includes a tribute to Keasbey, New Jersey based Wakefern, the 2020 Northeast Wholesaler of the Year (page 15), and a salute to Lakeland, Florida-based Publix, our Southeast Retailer of the year (page 21).

“I think that those that have used the COVID opportunity to adopt technology will thrive,” Rybick said. “I know we were pretty

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The Shelby Report of the West JANUARY 2021 Your source for grocery news and insights since 1967

California grocery industry comes together to support City of Hope Fundraisers aid cancer research and clinical care Through two separate fundraisers this fall – the Harvest Festival Ball and the Hope Campaign – friends and supporters raised more than $850,000 for the City of Hope. COH is a Duarte, California-based independent biomedical research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Harvest Festival Ball City of Hope’s Food Industry Circles group held the ball on Nov. 7 to support its cancer and diabe tes research and clinical care. Three regions of FIC – SCFIC, NCFIC, PNWFIC – brought together hundreds of company leaders,

New awards program to honor diversity, equity and inclusion Shelby seeking nominations for first ‘icons’

Nominations are now open for Shelby Publishing’s newDiversity, Equity and Inclusion Industry Icons awards program, which will launch in 2021 to recognize the most iconic leaders working to advance and uphold diver sity, equity and inclusion in the U.S. grocery industry. Shelby will recognize and celebrate DEI Icons across all sectors of the retail food industry – retailers, wholesalers, distributors, suppliers/ vendors and solutions providers – that demon

from retailers, suppliers and manufacturers to distributors and brokers. About 250 people logged into Zoom to attend. The event included a celebration of 20 years of Kids 4 Hope, honor ing founders, the Kevin Davis and Paul Christianson families. In addi tion, the Pat Posey family as well as Scott Drew, 2020 President of the Southern California Food Industry, received the Spirit of Life award. The event featured a conversa tion between chef, TV host and restaurateur Guy Fieri and his longtime friend Sammy Hagar, a rock legend, Grammy Award winner and entrepreneur. The men are partners in Santo Tequila.

Meg Major

strate an exemplary commitment to driving and imparting positive changes across their organizations by removing barriers and creating environments where individuals can thrive as their authentic selves. “It’s been said that it takes many different flowers make a bouquet,” said Stephanie Reid, president and publisher of Shelby Publishing. “In the same vein, we are extremely proud to launch a program to honor the industry’s most influential companies that are working collaboratively to build more diverse, equitable and inclusive climates both at their workplaces and the community at large.” The program, whichwill be presented in Shelby’s March issues and on its website, will spotlight the most deserving honorees who are taking above-and-beyond measures to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in their companies, communities and the industry as a whole in three classes – retailers; wholesalers and distributors; and suppliers, solutions providers and sales and marketing agencies. All three categories will recognize high-performing, benchmark driven nominees that have set the standard for exemplary diversity, equity and inclusion practices and advocacy efforts. Other requirements by class include the following:

Pat Posey (from left), Kevin Davis and Carol and Paul Christianson

Fieri and Hagar each donated several unique auction items, including a signed Santo Tequila branded guitar, a signed 7” Santuko chef ’s knife from Fieri’s “Knuckle Sandwich” brand line and a

Please see page 34

Please see page 34

BONUS CONTENT INSIDE: In celebration of the year just ending, The Shelby Report is sharing some of its region-specific content that those who subscribe to just one or two of our print editions may have missed. For our West readers this month, that includes a tribute to Keasbey, New Jersey based Wakefern, the 2020 Northeast Wholesaler of the Year (page 15), and a salute to Lakeland, Florida-based Publix, our Southeast Retailer of the year (page 21).

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