N.G.A. 2010 Annual Convention and Supermarket Synergy Showcase - Wrap Up
 

Thanks to your support and dedication the 2010 National Grocers Association Annual Convention and Supermarket Synergy Showcase, February 9-12, 2010 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, was the best Annual Convention we have ever had.  We are proud to report that the numbers for this convention are up in every category in particular in attendance and revenue.  In fact, this year's total registrants were up 20% over last year with total revenue up over 14%. These results are truly an achievement during these challenging economic times and a testament to the strength and vitality of the independent grocery sector and N.G.A. This convention was also very special as we honored the career of Tom Zaucha who has served as N.G.A.'s distinguished President and CEO since the founding of our great Association in 1982. 
 
N.G.A. remains the only association exclusively focused on independent supermarkets, family-run regional chains and retailer-owned and voluntary wholesalers. Our segment is strong and vital, with more than 50,000 stores nationwide, accounting for about half of all U.S. supermarket sales - an estimated $220 billion. The overall health of an association is as important as the strength and vitality of its membership.  We are fortunate and proud that N.G.A. is as strong as ever. 
 
Below you will find highlights of the convention, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at 703-516-0700.

 

Click here to read the full press release.

The political and economic events of 2009 marked a fundamental and unpredicted change for our country. In the Opening Keynote Session, sponsored by Kraft Foods, Inc., President George W. Bush discussed how he responded to the numerous challenges he faced while in office, based on the basis of core principles he has held throughout his years of public service, and that have guided America since its founding: Freedom, Opportunity, Responsibility and Compassion.  N.G.A. President and CEO Tom Zaucha then moderated a one on one discussion with President Bush on a variety of topics from security home and abroad, the economy, jobs and more. President Bush said his prescription for healing the economy would be to cut taxes for small businesses "like so many of you grocers, to make sure the people who create jobs have money to expand their business."

Phil Lempert, the SupermarketGuru, led a lively panel discussion with award winning retailers who have successfully made a difference in their marketplace. The panelist included: Jeff Brown, President and CEO of Browns Family Shoprite; Joe Sheridan, Executive Vice President of the Wakefern Corporation; MacGregor Read, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Grocery Outlets and Frank DiPasquale, Executive Vice President of the National Grocers Association. The group discussed a number of key findings from the just released 2010 N.G.A. Consumer Panel Survey, as well as the need for retailers to spend time talking with their consumers and not allowing the federal government to tell them what decisions to make.           

Pictured Above - From Left to Right: Frank DiPasquale, Jeff Brown, Phil Lempert, MacGregor Read and Joe Sheridan. 

Retired General Peter Pace, USMC, former head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George W. Bush, said grocery store operators are doing their part to ensure the security of the United States by keeping the economy going. At the Thursday General Session, Pace said, "We couldn't have a free nation without a good, strong military, and we couldn't have a good strong military without a strong economy. Your businesses provide livelihoods and sustenance in so many ways for so many people, and I know how much those of us who defend this nation appreciate what all of you do for the economy and for providing support to the armed forces." 
 
This session also was a time to present and honor the WGA Woman of the Year Award to Kathy Sweidel-Caton of Gerland's Food Fair/Food Town and the WGA Lifetime Achievement Award to Mildred Stewart of Affiliated Foods Midwest.

                                        

  

 

This year's winners are:
Winner - Kyle Perry, Martin's Super Markets, Indiana
First Runner Up - Danny Goodwin, J.H. Harvey Co., LLC, Georgia
Second Runner Up - Andrew Hadlock, Maceys, Inc., Utah
Third Runner Up - David Williams, K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. (Food City), Kentucky
Fourth Runner Up - Arcola Pointer, D'Agostino Supermarkets, Inc., New York
 

Some Action Shots From This Years Competition.

If you are looking for your states Best Bagger? Click here to see more from this years competition.

 

  
  
 

 

Wednesday, February 10, the Grocers Awards Reception featured the 2010 Creative Choice Awards winners and the recipients of the Progressive Grocer Outstanding Independents Awards. The Grocers Awards Reception is sponsored by Kellogg and Unilever. 

    

 

Click here to read more about the winners.

For a full list of winners click here.  

 

Outstanding Regional Retailer:

The Independent Owners and Operators of ShopRite Supermarkets

 

Cosentino's Food Stores, Kansas City

Outstanding Wholesaler:

Merchants Distributors, Inc. (MDI), Hickory, N.C.

 

 

N.G.A./FMS 2010 Independent Grocers Survey
As an independent operator in today's marketplace, you have a challenging job that requires an
understanding where your business is succeeding and where you need to improve. Benchmarking against other companies can be a useful tool in evaluating your company. The N.G.A./FMS Independent Grocers Survey is a financial and operational review of the independent retail grocery industry. We are currently collecting data and need your help. The more geographic regions the survey covers, the more accurate and valuable a picture it paints of our industry. Click here to join our participant list. Or call FMS at 877-435-9400.