2021 AGA Convention Recap

The Alabama Grocers Association recently held their 31st Annual Convention at the Sandestin Beach Resort in Destin, Florida. The Association brought members from all aspects of the grocery industry together to promote the growth and success of the food industry throughout the state of Alabama. 

The Monday business forum included a Retail Survival Seminar by Norman Mayne, Dorothy Lane Markets, a Changes in Consumer Behavior Seminar with Michael Sansolo, a National Legislative Overview by Chris Jones from the National Grocers Association and an Alabama Regulatory Panel Discussion which included the Alabama Department of Human Resources, Alabama Department of Public Health and Alabama Alcohol Beverage Control Board.

A silent auction and raffle were held Monday night which raised more than $22,000 for the Alabama Grocers Education Foundation. This year the Alabama Grocers Education Foundation awarded 37 scholarships valued at more than $37,500, and to date has awarded more than 1.3 million dollars in total scholarships. Awards given on Monday night included the National Grocers Association Spirit of America Award given to Senator Jabo Waggoner, Alabama State Senate, District 16. Chris Jones from the National Grocers Association also awarded Jimmy Wright, Wright’s Market with the Clarence G. Adamy Great American Award, the association’s highest award for government relations. Creativity Band, an Atlanta Party Band, was the entertainment for Monday night.

The Tuesday Business Forum was held the following day and included a Diversity Seminar with Gianetta Jones from Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc., a Drone Delivery Seminar with Ed Fienga from Deuce Drone, and an E-Commerce Seminar with Pat Hughes from e-Growcery.

Tuesday afternoon also included an exhibit hall with more than 60 booths with vendors from all aspects of the grocery industry.

On Tuesday night, the Chairman’s Banquet was held with renowned comedian James Gregory as the celebrity entertainment. Several awards were given including the Spirit of Alabama Award, presented to Mr. Greg Gregerson, Gregerson’s Foods for a lifetime of work in the grocery industry. Representative Gil Isbell and Senator Jabo Waggoner presented their Joint Legislative Resolution for Supermarket Employee Day, honoring the hard work performed by employees in the grocery industry during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure communities had a safe place to get food and supplies. On Feb. 21 of this year, Gov. Kay Ivey declared Feb. 22 as Supermarket Employee Day to recognize the grocery industry’s tireless dedication to their communities. New Officers and Directors were also installed.