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CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

As Chairman of the Alabama Grocers Association, it is my honor to welcome you and your families to our 35th Annual Show. This year, we’re Tailgating with Purpose as we continue our mission of “Bringing Grocers to the Table.” We are proud to cultivate community in the grocery industry through impactful networking opportunities, relevant and forward-thinking educational sessions, and our dynamic Exhibit Hall — all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

BOB CRAWFORD United-Johnson Brothers of Alabama

I would like to thank Chris Crosby, our Convention Committee Chairman,

along with his dedicated committee and the outstanding AGA staff. Their efforts and vision have once again brought together an exciting lineup of speakers, seminars, and entertainment that I know everyone will enjoy. A special thank you goes out to all of our retail members, manufacturers, brokers, wholesalers, and industry partners who make this show possible by attending and supporting the AGA year after year. Our event kicks off Monday morning with registration from 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM and breakfast served from 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM. Exhibitors may begin setting up booths during this time. From 8:00 AM – 10:45 AM, join us in the Azalea Ballroom for our Business Session, featuring a National Legislative Update with Senator Tommy Tuberville and Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, followed by a National Grocery Trends Update with Greg Ferrara from NGA and John Ross from IGA. We’ll wrap up the session with an engaging Alabama Power Panel on How to Utilize Power Efficiencies In Your Stores. Fund the Future will be that night from 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm in the Azalea Ballroom. 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 Seven Ways Your Company Should Be Using Artificial Intelligence by Beth Z and Grocery Marketing Gets Smarter: Practical AI Tools for Real Retail Results by Sarah Mitchell Wagner. We will wrap up with a National Grocery Trends Overview with Jon Cline from FMS. There will be a packed house for the Exhibit Hall Retailer & Wholesaler Networking Hour from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. The Exhibit Hall will then 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 Comedian John Morgan from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm. I hope this year’s show provides not only fun and relaxation for your families, but also valuable connections and insights that will strengthen your business. It’s a privilege to serve as your Chairman, and I’m grateful for your continued support of the Alabama Grocers Association. God bless you, your families, and the Alabama Grocers Association.

Sincerely,

Bob Crawford Chairman Alabama Grocers Association

2025 Annual Show Yearbook | Page 5