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INDUSTRY NEWS Ron Edenfield Honored at FMI’s Midwinter Conference

Ron Edenfield, Chairman of Wayfield Foods, was awarded the 2023 Glen P. Woodard Award for Public Affairs during FMI’s Midwinter Conference in Orlando. The award is the highest honor FMI presents for outstanding work in the important area of public affairs. Edenfield is well known in Washington, D.C., where he serves on both FMI’s Board of Directors and Public Affairs Committee. His expansive connections on Capitol Hill helped FMI form strong relationships with Georgia legislators, including House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott and House Agriculture

Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Sanford Bishop. Together with his longtime government relations colleague, Moses White, and now Andre White, Edenfield has helped secure a myriad of legislative victories for the food industry. “Whether he is testifying before Congress on SNAP issues or strongly supporting GFIA’s PAC fund, Ron has always understood the importance of political involvement”, according to GFIA President Kathy Kuzava. At the local level, Edenfield invites legislators to ribbon cuttings and special events at his stores to give them a firsthand view of grocers’ challenges and community contributions. “I have a great respect for FMI and their commitment to representing the grocery industry on Capitol Hill”, according to Edenfield. “I was sincerely surprised and humbled to win this prestigious award.” Greg Edenfield, current President of Wayfield Foods, accepted the honor on behalf of his father.

Left to right- Steve Smith, President and CEO of K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc, Greg Edenfield and Randy Edeker, Chairman of the board of Hy-Vee, Inc. and FMI’s Immediate Past Chairman of the Board.

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