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CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

As Chairman of the Alabama Grocers Association, I would like to welcome you and your families to our 33rd Annual Show. This year we will be “Bringing Grocers to the Table” by fulfilling our mission statement of cultivating community within the grocery industry through networking experiences, educational seminars, and showcasing our Exhibit Hall while enjoying entertainment at the beautiful Sandestin Resort. I would like to thank Jack Carlile, our Convention Committee Chairman, his committee, and the entire AGA staff for their hard work planning this year’s event. Again, they have put together an excellent lineup of

BOB CRAWFORD United-Johnson Brothers of Alabama

speakers and entertainers that I am sure everyone will enjoy. I would also like to extend a special thank you to all our retail members, manufacturers, brokers, wholesalers, and other members for attending this year. Our schedule starts Monday morning with the registration desk opening from 7:00 am – 2:00 pm, along with breakfast from 7:00 am – 9:00 am. Exhibitors can begin setting up their booths from 7:00 am – 2:00 pm. Our Business Session will be held from 8:00 am – 10:45 am in the Azalea Ballroom. The session will include a National Legislative update with Congressman Robert Aderholt followed by Dr. Glenn Richey speaking on Revolutionizing the Grocery Industry with AI Innovations. We will finish the session with an Artificial Intelligence Panel. Monday night we will have the Welcome Dinner at 7:00 pm in the Azalea Ballroom with entertainment from The New Orleans Ramblers and wrap up the evening with the AGEF Fund the Future event. Our schedule for Tuesday morning starts with the registration desk opening from 7:00 am – 2:00 pm along with breakfast from 7:00 am – 9:00 am. Exhibitors can finish setting up their booths starting at 7:00 am – 10:30 am. Our Business Session will be held from 8:00 am – 11:00 am in the Azalea Ballroom. The session will include Close the Gap by Dr. Bruce Bright, Organized Retail Theft by Deputy Director Trisha Mellberg and Jeff Bradley, General Counsel for the Alabama Office of Prosecution Services. We will wrap up with Fighting What’s Different Differently by Rebecca Henshaw, Associate Partner, OC&C Strategy Consultants. There will be a packed house for Bingo and the Exhibit Hall Retailer & Wholesaler Networking Hour from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. The Exhibit Hall will be open to all attendees from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm. The Best Bagger Competition will be from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm followed by the Chairman’s Banquet and Casino Night from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. I hope you and your families enjoy the event and get to spend time with old friends and form new relationships that are truly helpful to your business. I am humbled and honored to serve as your Chairman. God bless you, your family, and the AGA.

Sincerely,

Bob Crawford Chairman Alabama Grocers Association

2024 Annual Show Yearbook | Page 5