INSIDE - Georgia Food Industry Association

T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E G E O R G I A F O O D I N D U S T R Y A S S O C I AT I O N
Take Your Legislator to Work
By Kathy Kuzava, GFIA President
We
have all heard
of “take your daughter to
work” day. How about a
day where you “take your
legislator to work”? That’s
just what Verlin Reece did
at his Toccoa store. Senator
John Wilkinson was invited
to meet the employees and
customers at Quality Foods.
The Senator spent the day
learning about the grocery
business, even bagging groceries and bringing in buggies!
There is no better way for
a legislator to understand
your business than to ex-
perience it firsthand!
Read about Senator
Wilkinson and his day
learning the grocery
business on page 3.
During the next few
months, look for our
challenge to get more
elected officials into your
business! There will be prizes
involved!!
I want to thank the retailers who headed to our nation’s
capitol in April to discuss
legislation that could affect
the grocery industry. Daniel
Barnett, son of Don Barnette
of Market Grocery Company,
GFIA CONVENTION
July 15th-July 19th Destin, FL
Take a trip into the Jungle
with over 1,000 retailers,
wholesalers, suppliers
and their families for an
action packed week full
of business & pleasure.
Don’t forget
to book your hotel
room and register for the Convention.
Visit www.gfia.org for details and forms.
spent his Spring
break visiting legislators! See the pictures on page 2.
Speaking of legislation, a few of
the bills that passed
during this past legislative session can be very confusing for retailers to understand.
HB 110, introduced by Jay Roberts
of Ocilla, allowed the sale of a
new category of fireworks previously outlawed in Georgia. “Consumer Fireworks” are any small
fireworks devices containing restricted amounts of pyrotechnic
composition.
Retailers who are currently
selling sparklers, poppers and other 4th of July fun may want to add
a few extra choices to their selection. However, selling Consumer
Fireworks will require a license
fee of $5,000 for the first year and
a $1,000 license fee for additional years. Call the GFIA office for
more details. A retailer does NOT
need a license to sell sparklers,
poppers or anything that you currently sell.
What is very important to know
is that ALL fireworks, including
sparklers, poppers, etc. will be
subject to an additional 5 percent
excise tax as of July 1. To keep our
members in compliance, we will
be updating our website with information as it becomes available.
Finally, I hope to see you at
our annual convention this year.
It’s our opportunity to bring legislators, retailers, wholesalers and
suppliers together for three days of
education, networking and fun!
“The Voice of the Food Industry in Georgia”
VOL. 15 NO. 2
INSIDE
This Edition
Grocers Head to
Washington
Page 2
Grassroots Success in
Toccoa!
Page 3
Meet GFIA’s Summer
Interns
Page 4
Flavor of Georgia
Moses White Writes
American Anthem
Page 5
Convention Preview
Page 6
On the Road Again
Page 8
Independent Education
Seminar Success
Flowers Food Hosts
GFIA Board Meeting
Page 9
GFIA Members
Support Industry
Students
Page 1 0
Silent Auction
Mobile Bidding
Page 1 1
Swingin’ for
Scholarships
Page 1 2
LEG I SL AT I V E
Grocers Head to Washington for
the 2015 Day in Washington
Hundreds of retailers across the country flew in to our nation’s capitol this April to visit Members of the 114th Congress. The 2014
mid-term elections brought a shift in power on Capitol Hill, along with many new elected officials. It was the perfect time for in
person meetings with our legislators and their staff members, who will tackle tough issues that can have a major impact on the
supermarket industry.
Thanks to GFIA members Don and Daniel Barnette, Market Grocery Company; Brendon Cull, The Kroger Company; Ron Edenfield and Moses White, Wayfield Foods; Lindsey Napier, Publix Super Markets; Scott Johnson, Financial Supermarkets, Inc; Brian
Wright, Bi-Lo Holdings and Teross Young, Delhaize America for representing the industry!
Daniel Barnette spent his Spring break visiting our
elected officials, including Congressman Sanford
Bishop.
FSI’s Scott Johnson and GFIA’s Kathy Kuzava visit
friends in Senator Perdue’s office. Perdue’s Chief of
Staff, Derrick Dickey (right) worked with GFIA to
win Sunday sales in GA.
The GFIA group runs into freshman Congressman Doug Collins outside a
committee room.
Teross Young, Delhaize America,
Kuzava and the father-son Barnette team get ready for the next meeting.
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Congressman David Scott points out a Bible verse to
former college friend, Moses White.
Ron Edenfield and Lindsey Napier, Publix Super Markets, finish a long day on
Capitol Hill.
Moses White and Ron Edenfield share the results of their lobbying day with FMI
President, Leslie Sarasin.
“The Voice of the Food Industry in Georgia”
LEG I SL AT I V E
Grassroots Success in Toccoa!
Connecting GFIA members with legislators was a topic of discussion during the GFIA board of directors meeting in April. Chairman Verlin Reece, President of Quality Foods, challenged the retailer board members to invite a local legislator to visit one of
their store locations to learn about the grocery business. Reece announced that he would step up by hosting a “meet and greet” at
his Toccoa location for Agriculture Chairman John Wilkinson.
Senator Wilkinson (R-Toccoa) was excited about the opportunity. During his three hour visit, he received a tour of the store,
learned about the challenges of running a grocery store, and spent time talking with employees and customers. According to Senator Wilkinson, “There is no way a legislator can begin to understand how a business works until they have been on site and visited
with management, the staff and talked to customers.”
Will the visit help him with his job as a senator? “The more I can learn about a business, the more insight I have to make good
decisions. It is a win-win scenario for the industry and for me as an elected official. The visit to Quality Foods gave me insight into
how the various government assistance programs work and the challenges retailers face to prevent fraud.”
Verlin Reece called the event a big success for everyone, and according to Senator Wilkinson’s Facebook post, he agrees!
“Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit Quality Foods in Toccoa, GA. It was a great experience! I enjoyed my visit with the store
staff and their customers. A special thanks goes out to my friend, Verlin Reece, who was kind enough to welcome me into his store
family for the day. Quality Foods is an independent grocer that has been in business for over 30 years. After seeing them in action
for the day, I understand why their business continues to thrive. Stop in when you have a chance!”
If you are interested in inviting a legislator to your business, the GFIA will help you with the details! Please contact Kathy
Kuzava at (770) 438-7744 or [email protected]
“The Voice of the Food Industry in Georgia”
3
LEG I SL AT I V E
Meet GFIA’s Summer Interns
We are pleased to introduce three outstanding students who will be working with us over the summer. In addition to the scholarships that our Foundation offers, GFIA believes that investing time and resources in students will bring future talent to our
industry. It has surely paid dividends to us already, as our very own Carrie Pepper first learned of GFIA and the food industry as an
intern with the same Auburn University program that Bailey Brown studies.
Madison Bailey (left)
Senior at the University of South Carolina, International Studies and History
Madison Bailey will soon begin her senior year at the University of South Carolina.
While attending school, Madison completed an internship with a local public defender’s
office, and she has studied abroad in Spain, England, and the Netherlands. She interned
with GFIA last year, and has returned for this summer. Madison plans to attend law
school after graduation, and pursue a career as an attorney. Interning with GFIA provides
Madison with valuable experience regarding the regulatory issues and legal matters that
GFIA members face as they operate their businesses.
Keegan Perkins (center)
Senior at Campbell High School
Keegan Perkins is a senior in the International Baccalaureate Program at Campbell High School, a vigorous program comprised
of honor and college level classes. He plays on the Campbell Varsity Football and Lacrosse teams. After he graduates, Keegan
plans to attend college as an English Major with a Minor in Rhetoric. During his time with GFIA, he will have the opportunity to
meet legislators and to gain political knowledge.
Bailey Brown (right)
Senior at Auburn University, Hotel and Restaurant Management
Bailey Brown is a senior at Auburn University and will graduate in December with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. During the course of her studies, she developed a passion for the wine industry and all the complexities of the different
wines and regions. She has taken and passed the Level 1 Introduction to Sommelier and is considering taking the CSW. Bailey’s
ideal job would be to utilize the experience she has gained working with GFIA to coordinate events for a wine company.
PROUD SPONSORS OF MULTIPLE
GFIA EVENTS
Thanks for Your Support GEORGIA!
Get Well Soon Wishes for Ralph Delgado-­‐ We are thinking of you! 4
“The Voice of the Food Industry in Georgia”
LEG I SL AT I V E U PDATE
Flavor of Georgia Winner
Celebrates Italian Roots
Adriana Coppola, a native Italian now living in Johns Creek, won the
grand prize in the University of Georgia’s 2015 Flavor of Georgia Food
Product Contest with her A&A Alta
Cucina Italia Balsamico al Mirtillo, a
blueberry balsamic vinegar reduction.
Coppola launched Alta Cucina, her
line of authentic Italian gourmet products, to celebrate the family traditions
and love for fresh ingredients that she
learned from her parents.
Attendees at the GFIA annual convention will have the opportunity to
meet Adrianna and taste her award winning balsamic vinegar reduction
during the tradeshow, where she will be exhibiting as part of her grand
prize. Showcase events like the 2015 Flavor of Georgia competition help
entrepreneurs spread the word about their products.
More than 100 entries from across the state were submitted and the
products were judged on commercial appeal, Georgia theme, taste,
innovation and market potential in each category. The top 30 finalists
showcased their new products and competed for prizes. Food industry
experts, including GFIA board members Mike Coggins, Sherwood
Foods and Jeff Downing, Foothills IGA were members of this year’s
judging team.
Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black announced the winners as part of Georgia Agriculture Awareness Day. In
addition to the grand prize, judges awarded prizes in each food product
category. All winners and finalists earned the right to display “2015
Flavor of Georgia Winner” on their product packaging.
The Flavor of Georgia food product contest is sponsored by the UGA
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development in partnership with the Georgia
Center of Innovation for Agribusiness, the Office of the Governor,
Walton EMC, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia
Agribusiness Council.
Moses White Writes American
Anthem “We’re Americans”
Anyone who has ever spent time with Andre “Moses” White at a GFIA event
knows that he is a unique and memorable gentleman. Moses, who sits on the
board of Wayfield Foods, has a diverse and fascinating background that includes
everything from playing professional football to hanging out with music legends
like James Brown.
Moses White is also incredibly politically connected and very patriotic. He has
become increasingly disturbed by what he calls “the enemies of freedom”. While
most people watch the effects of terrorism on the news and shake their heads, Moses took a different approach. He wrote a song that he feels would be a unifying
anthem that brings all Americans together. We’re Americans was written in collaboration with his son Andre “Lucky” White and his record label Savant Media.
The song was released on iTunes June 16th.
As a road manager for Marvin Gaye, and long-time confidante and business
colleague of James Brown, Moses is no novice to the entertainment industry. He
learned from these music legends and used their inspiration in writing his first
single. He wanted to show how we “declare the will to fight and win for our
American values.”
Always prone to leading a colorful life, Moses finished Florida A&M University,
was drafted by the Denver Broncos as a Tight End and also played for the San
Diego Chargers and was the first African American to sign with the Cincinnati
Bengals.
Following a stroke and health challenges due to football injuries, Moses continues
to be a man you won’t forget. He is proud to give this patriotic anthem to the
world.
Ron Edenfield and Moses White, Wayfield Foods, visit with Congressman Sanford Bishop during a recent trip to Washington.
Meet the elected officials who will be attending this year’s convention
Please take a
moment to greet
them and let them
know how much
we appreciate
their support
Representative Stacey Y. Abrams
(D-Atlanta) was elected in
2006 and is the House Minority
Leader. An attorney and entrepreneur, she is the first woman
to lead either party in the GA
General Assembly and the first
African-American to lead in the
House of Representatives.
Senator Freddie Powell Sims
(D-Dawson) was elected to the
State Senate in 2008. This retired
middle school principal serves as
secretary of the Education and
Youth Committee.
Tom McCall (R-Elberton) has served in
the House of Representatives since 1994
and is proud to carry on his family’s
history of public service that dates
back 75 years. Representative McCall
is the Chairman of the Agriculture and
Consumer Affairs Committee.
Senator Rick Jeffares (R-McDonough) is a project manager
and business owner who was
elected to the Georgia Senate
in 2010. Senator Jeffares serves
as the newest chairman of the
Regulated Industries
Committee.
Senator Renee Unterman
(R-Buford) was elected to the
Senate in 2002. A nurse and
former mayor of Loganville,
Senator Unterman is now in the
insurance industry. She serves as
chair of the Senate Health and
Human Services Committee.
State Senator John Wilkinson
(R-Toccoa) was first elected to
the State Senate during a special
election in 2011. A teacher
and farmer, Senator Wilkinson
serves as the chairman of the
Senate Agriculture Committee.
Senator Jack Hill (R-Reidsville)
was first elected to the Georgia
Senate in 1990. Senator Hill, a
retired grocer, was the former
chairman of the Georgia Grocers Association. He serves as
chairman of the powerful Senate
Appropriations Committee.
Senator Tyler Harper (R-Ocilla)
was elected to the Georgia State
Senate in 2012. A farmer and
businessman, Senator Harper
serves as Chairman of the Senate
Public Safety Committee.
State Senator Burt Jones
(R-Jackson) was elected in 2012.
Senator Jones owns an insurance
agency and his family is in the
grocery business. He serves
as Chairman of the Banking
and Financial Institutions
Committee.
Commissioner Gary W. Black is
the sixteenth Georgian to hold
the office of Commissioner of
Agriculture since the department’s inception in 1874. He
began his career with the Georgia Farm Bureau and served 21
years as president of the Georgia
Agribusiness Council before
being elected Commissioner.
The Honorable Larry O’Neal
was appointed by Governor Deal
to serve as the judge for
Georgia’s tax tribunal court.
Judge O’Neal, a tax attorney
with 40 years of experience,
resigned his position as floor
leader to accept his new role.
“The Voice of the Food Industry in Georgia”
5
CONVENTION PREVIEW
SPECIAL EDITION –
CONVENTION PREVIEW
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
Stop by the popcorn and ice cream stations on your way to check in at the
GFIA registration desk. Registration
opens at 11:00 AM.
THURSDAY, JULY 16
Get wild with GFIA as we kick off the
convention with a Wine Tasting and
Welcome Cocktail Party at 5:00 PM,
followed by the Opening Night Party.
Everyone in the family will enjoy pizza
and games while they bid on items at our
Silent Auction, and cheer for their favorite in the Best Bagger Contest.
FRIDAY, JULY 17
Legislative Breakfast
7:15 AM – 9:00 AM
Enjoy a hot breakfast as you listen to an
update on the 2015 legislative session
from some of Georgia’s top elected leaders. Get the behind the scenes story on
legislation, including the controversial
gas tax increase, plastic bag ban preemption, GMO labeling requirements,
tax exemption for food bank donations,
immunization expansion, tax reform and
other issues that affect Georgia’s grocery
industry.
The Truth About GMOs
9:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Moderated by Georgia
Agriculture Commissioner
Gary Black, listen to our
panel of experts who will
6
examine some of the misconceptions
concerning GMOs. You will hear from
Lee Anderson, General Mill’s Director,
Issues Management & State Government
Relations; Georgia State Senator Tyler
Harper, 2015 President of Georgia’s
Young Farmers; and Wayne Parrot, Professor of Plant Breeding and Genomics at
UGA, who will share the latest information about GMOs and their impact on the
food industry.
Data Breach – Digital Disaster!
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
We’ve all heard the
news. Major companies have experienced a
breach in their systems,
hurting their bottom line
and their reputation with
their customers. Join us for a fascinating
-- and frightening -- workshop from John
Toney of KPMG. With over 15 years
of law enforcement experience, including serving with the Electronic Crimes
Special Agent Program in the US Secret
Service, John provides investigative services and guidance to help clients better
manage risk and respond to data breach
incidents and cyber security concerns.
This workshop will provide a detailed
background of recent data breaches and
how to best deal with a digital disaster in
your company. You will be surprised by
what you will learn!
Visit our website at www.gfia.org/seminar-info.html for more information on
our speakers and panelists.
“The Voice of the Food Industry in Georgia”
CONVENTION PREVIEW
SPECIAL EDITION –
CONVENTION PREVIEW
Afterwards, attend the Independent Council Luncheon, open to all independent retailers and wholesalers, or eat lunch at the
Snack Shack. Be sure to head back at 6:30
PM for our Friday evening Cocktail Party,
Dinner, Live Auction and Entertainment.
One of our favorite bands, The Neons,
will be performing again this year. Visit
our website at www.gfia.org/annual-convention.html to see a video of the band,
and to get more info on all of the exciting
events we have to offer at our convention
this year!
SATURDAY, JULY 18
Legislative Breakfast
8:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Enjoy a hot breakfast as you listen to an
update on the 2015 legislative session
from some of Georgia’s top elected leaders. Get the behind the scenes story on
legislation, including the controversial gas
tax increase, plastic bag ban preemption,
GMO labeling requirements, tax exemption for food bank donations, immunization expansion, tax reform and other issues that affect Georgia’s grocery industry.
Essential Exchanges:
What You Have to Give Up to Get
Up
10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Learn how to have greater
impact in your personal and
professional life when you
decide to make essential
exchanges in your daily
life. Author and high energy international
speaker Kevin Paul Scott will challenge
you to exchange stability for significance
and exchange expedience for excellence.
Step out of your comfort zone and experience more fulfillment than you ever
dreamed possible. This popular young
speaker has spoken to leaders on six continents and in over 100 countries.....and
now he is coming to GFIA! According to
University of Georgia football coach Mark
Richt, Kevin Paul Scott will “shake you
out of mediocrity and into a life that truly
matters.” Visit our website at www.gfia.
org/seminar-info.html for a video preview of this topic.
GFIA Trade Show
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Put on your safari hats and head over to
the Linkside Center for the GFIA trade
show, where over 200 vendors will have
their products and services on display.
Enter to win prizes, sample new products
and enjoy some family fun at this popular
event!
Chairman’s Cocktail Party, Dinner
& Dessert Party
6:45 PM – 10:00 PM
The convention wraps up on Saturday
evening with our gala event and awards
ceremony. Celebrate our industry achievements as we recognize our convention
sponsors, industry leaders, and present this
year’s Legacy and Service Awards.
“The Voice of the Food Industry in Georgia”
7
E DUC AT I O N FOU N DAT I O N
South Georgia Independents Rise
Above the Competition
On the Road Again with Carrie Pepper
Just like Kathy when she first started, I wanted to get out on the road and meet the wonderful members of our association. The
independent retailers have so much knowledge and insight about the food industry, but we do not get to see them often because
they are too busy to leave their stores. So, I got out on the road and went to
visit them!
I dropped by Michael Grimes’ store, Thriftway Food Stores in Lyons,
Georgia. I was very surprised when I pulled up, because his store was
in the same shopping center as a Family Dollar. I asked him how he felt
about having that store right next to him, and he said, “Great! They send
me a check every month.” I did not realize that he owned not only the
grocery store, but also the entire property! I guess that’s one way to deal
with your competition. Michael also sticks to more traditional methods.
He told me that most of his products are priced as competitively as the
Family Dollar, and that his store has the added benefit of offering fresh
Michael Grimes and Carrie Pepper at Thriftway Food Store
meats and an onsite butcher. Another way that Thriftway Food Stores rises
above its competition is with an attention to customer service. Michael
encourages his employees in every department to provide personal service to the customer. The dollar stores don’t have a butcher who can special order a cow head for the customer..…who knew they were in such high demand? Competitive pricing, fresh
meats, great customer service and the ability to customize orders are just some of the
many reasons why customers will choose a grocery store over other retailers who
“also sell groceries”.
On my next stop, I hit up Foodfresh, in Claxton, Georgia. Cory Gay showed me
around the store and gave me some insider tips on what they are doing to appeal to
the many different consumer groups in their area. They offer an organically grown
section that has been very successful. Cory also works with the deli department and
his customers to bring in new cheeses. These product lines, along with the gluten
The Dollar Spot at Foodfresh
free section, are popular among local Georgia Southern students who live on the other side of the highway. They will drive the extra 20 minutes to Foodfresh in order to
take advantage of these specialty offerings. The store also has a dollar section strategically located in the middle of the store where
everything is a dollar. This is a great idea to show customers that your store can be a dollar store, too! Foodfresh has found some
effective ways to cater to a variety of shoppers, and attract customers from all walks of life.
So, even if you can’t charge rent to your competition, an independent retailer can be successful by offering special services and by
maintaining strong ties to the community.
WELCOME
NEW GFIA MEMBERS
Associate Members
Bodacious Food Company
Calypso
Terlato Wines
UNFI
Retail Members
Southeastern Grocers
[formerly Bi-Lo Holdings]
8
Cory Gay and Carrie Pepper at the Foodfresh store
“The Voice of the Food Industry in Georgia”
I N D E PE N D E NT R E TA I L SE M I N A R
Independent Education
Seminar Success!
On May 7th, more than fifty independent retailers gathered
at Terrapin Beer Company for a day of learning. Seminar
attendees enjoyed an informational and packed agenda that
included presentations on PCI compliance by Truno Retail
Technology Solutions and methods to save on your energy
bill by Georgia Power. Kathy Kuzava also gave a briefing
on the 2015 legislative session and regulatory updates. Jeff
Downing, Foothills IGA, reviewed information from the
FMS Independent Grocers’ Financial Survey, and the day
concluded with a presentation on social media by MB Strategies and Shelby Publishing. If you have not had the opportunity to attend an Independent Education Seminar, please
join us in October at our next meeting.
GFIA would like to thank all of our attendees and speakers. We would also
like to thank our
seminar sponsors,
Georgia Power,
Terrapin Beer Company and Truno
Retail Technology
Solutions for a great
day of learning.
Remember...these meetings are open to ALL
independent retailers in Georgia, not just member
companies, so PLEASE invite your fellow retailers to
join us!
Flowers Foods Hosts
GFIA Board Meeting
We would like to send huge thanks out to Flowers Foods for
hosting our April board of directors meeting. As we pulled
into the parking lot, we were greeted by the delicious smell
of goodies baking in the ovens, along with the sweet smiles
of the Tastykakes man and the entire Flowers Foods team!
The highlight of our board
meeting was Ms. Diane’s
strawberry dessert. We’ll
be back for more next
April.
9
E DUC AT I O N FOU N DAT I O N
GFIA MEMBERS SUPPORT INDUSTRY STUDENTS
WITH $124,000 IN SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING
Since 1996, the Georgia Food Industry Education Foundation has provided scholarship funding to deserving students in our industry.
The 2015 scholarship year was no exception as GFIA member companies stepped up to offer almost $124,000 in scholarship awards.
This year’s program was a huge success as over 600 applicants submitted their credentials for review. Scholarship winners were
announced at the beginning of May. A huge thanks goes to the member companies listed below that recognize the impact and value of
providing quality education to our students.
PIGGYBACK AWARD DONORS
Piggyback awards are available only to the
sponsoring member’s employees.
Food Lion LLC
Foothills IGA Market
Ira Higdon Grocery Company
J & J Foods, Inc.
The Kroger Company
Market Grocery Company
Milkco, Inc.
Pepsi Beverages Company
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
Quality Foods, Inc.
Reynolds Foodliner, Inc.
Shop-Rite Supermarkets
Wayfield Foods, Inc.
SPONSORED AWARD DONORS
Sponsored awards are available to employees of all
GFIA member companies who meet the established award
criteria.
Anheuser-Busch, Inc. & The GA Wholesaler Family
Blue Bell Creameries
Coca-Cola Refreshments
Heineken USA
Linea Private Wealth Management
Pepsi Beverages Company
Snyder’s – Lance, Inc.
Western Union North America
SCHOLARSHIPS FUNDED BY
THE FOUNDATION
In addition to the above awards, the Foundation funds more than thirty
scholarships each year, worth nearly $60,000.
Foundation awards are available to employees of all GFIA member
companies who meet the established award criteria.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING GFIA MEMBER
COMPANIES WHOSE EMPLOYEES
WERE AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2015-2016
ALDI
Associated Wholesale Grocers
Bunzl
Chiquita Brands
Floco Foods, Inc.
Food Lion LLC
Foothills IGA Market
Georgia Lottery Corporation
GNT Foods
Ira Higdon Grocery Company
J&J Foods, Inc.
The Kroger Company
Market Grocery Company
Mayfield Dairy Farms
Milkco, Inc.
Mitchell Grocery Corporation
Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing
Premier Image
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
Quality Foods, Inc.
RBG Foods
Rockdale Grocery
Rose Acre Farms
Snipes Fine Foods
Snyder’s-Lance, Inc.
SUPERVALU INC
Wayfield Foods, Inc.
Wells Enterprises [Blue Bunny]
Are you looking for a cost effective way to enhance your employee benefits package? Consider funding scholarships
for your employees. The Foundation will handle all of the administration and overhead of your program.
Did you know that you can also fund a sponsored award to benefit employees of your customers? You set the criteria, fund the award, and the
Foundation takes care of all of the administration and expense. What a great way to show your support of education!
Contact Carrie Pepper at [email protected] or at the GFIA office at (770) 438-7744.
10
“The Voice of the Food Industry in Georgia”
How Can You Help?
1) DONATE ITEMS!
To make a donation, call GFIA
D U from
C A Tthe
I O N FOU N DAT I O N
or download a Eform
GFIA weekly emails. We request
that all donations be delivered
or shipped in advance to assist
in planning. Donation ideas include: event tickets, trips, gift
he GFIA Trustees are excited
to announce that the 20th annual silent auction will be conducted through
baskets, sports memorabilia,
mobile bidding this year! This
is a new
so it will be a learning curve for everyone. You can register
electronics,
kids process
& teen items,
jewelry, etc.
to bid online at http://www.gfia.org/silent-auction.html
All proceeds benefit the GFIA Education Foundation,
2) SHOP TILL YOU DROP!
he GFIA Education Georgia showed a 144% in- program, now is th
which awards scholarshipsCome
to deserving
students
provides
industry education to GFIA members.
prepared to spend,
spend,and
Foundation had the oppor- crease in FaceBook follow- do it! The Educati
spend! A list of auction items tunity to partner with senior ers and a 30% increase with dation plans on co
will be available prior to the con- marketing students from Twitter followers. Students the partnership with
vention.
Georgia State University this also presented the Board of State and looks fo
past spring. The partnership Trustees with new marketing having a GSU stude
How Can You Help?
was a huge success as Geor- material ideas and a new logo! for the Eat at Home
1) REGISTER NOW! By
gia State students got the If you are interested in par- For more informatio
We
are offering some great packages at this year’s
pre-registering for mobile
chance to put all that they ticipating in the Eat at Home contact the GFIA offi
Live
Auction
- in the
bidding, you are helping us
have learned
to use
help you. Registering your
world.
tar-(Independent Retailer outings)
•business
Recreation
for Students
Education
areas such
as research,
credit card ahead of time
Weekends
in Wine
Country
Thank You Publix Super •geted
Thank
You Publix
Super advertising,
social media
will make the check-out
Markets
Charities!
• Sonoma
Valleyand
Tours & Tastings
Markets
Charities!
public
relations.
With
process run more smoothly.
The GFIA Education Foun- • Napa ValleyGeorTours & Tastings
State’swith
help,Bruce
Eat atLucia
Home
The
GFIA
Education
dation
would
like to sayFouna huge •gia
You will no longer have to
Dinner
dation
would
like
to
say
a
thank
you
to
the
Publix
Super
wait in those long lines;
• Fly Fishing with Faulk
Markets
Charities
their very • Falcons Fly Away
huge thank
you for
to Publix
you can just grab your
generous
donation
of $15,000.
Super
Markets
Charities
for • GFIA Night on the Farm (Commissioner Black cooks dinner at his
items and head to Express
The
$15,000
will
be
used
to
their
very
generous
donaCheckout.
farm for up to 50)
increase
our annual
scholartion
of $15,000.
The funds
ship
willawards.
be usedScholarships
to increase are Check out our Live Auction website at www.gfia.org/live-auction.
2) DONATE ITEMS! To
awarded
each
year
to deserving html for more details.
our annual Foundation
make a donation, call
students in our industry and we
scholarship awards. ScholGFIA or download a form
are grateful for supporters like
“This scholarship gives me the encouragement to finish my degree and
arships are awarded each
from the GFIA weekly
Publix, who have helped increase pursue my dreams. It means the world to me knowing that I have othEducation Foundation Trustees Mike Faulk (The
yearmonetary
to deserving
emails. We request that all
the
value students
of Founda- ers in the food industry supporting
Kroger
andinTim
Crain
(Pro-Form Group)
me Company)
and investing
young
minds
in
our
industry
and
we
are
donations be delivered or
tion awards by $45,000 over the
show
off Georgia
Eat at Home Georgia’s new logo as they
such
as
mine.
I
am
very
grateful
for
the
grateful
for supporters like
shipped in advance to assist
place decals on their cars!
last 4 years.
Silent Auction Mobile
Bidding
Eat at Home
Georgia Partners
T
with Georgia State University
T
Live Auction Spotlight
in planning. Donation ideas
include: event tickets, trips,
gift baskets, sports memorabilia, electronics, kids &
teen items, jewelry, etc.
3) SHOP TILL YOU
DROP! Come prepared to
spend, spend, spend! A list
of auction items is available by following the links
at www.gfia.org/foundation-auctions.html . The list
will be updated periodically, so check back often!
Publix Super Markets, who
has helped increase the
monetary value of GFIA
awards by $60,000 over the
last five years.
Thank you Atlanta
Journal-Constitution!
The Education Foundation would like to give a
huge thanks to the AJC
for donating two full page
color ads again this year.
We would also like to
thank The Kroger Company for their advance
purchase of these ads.
Food Industry Association and their
contribution to future food industry
professionals.
” of the Food Industry in Georgia”
“The Voice
-Olivia Souder,
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
“This fantastic program allows individuals
to be recognized for their hard work. I am so
thankful for GFIA’s generosity and their
commitment to impacting the next
generation.”
-Alexander Fernandez,
The Kroger Company
“My parents and I have
been praying about how
we were going to pay for
college this upcoming school year. This scholarship was a huge blessing and an encouragement
to show that God is providing for my college
tuition!”
-Morgan Roark,
Quality Foods, Inc.
“The Voice of the Food Industry in Georgia”
11
SPRING GOLF TOURNAMENT
“Swingin’ for Scholarships” Spring Tournament
Raises Over $79,000
For the Foundation
G
FIA
unteers
golfers and volenjoyed a beautiful day of golf on April
22nd for the annual GFIA
Education
Foundation
“Swingin’ for Scholarships” spring tournament.
Over 200 golfers gathered
as the Foundation Board of
Trustees hosted yet another great event. Thanks to
all of our sponsors, retailers, golfers and volunteers
who made the day a huge
success. Because of your
efforts, the Foundation
raised over $79,000!
Jamie Leggiero, Pepsi Beverages Company; Bruce Lucia, The Kroger
Company; Danny Dunbar & Ralph Delgado, Snyder’s-Lance, Inc.
Beth Chavis, National
Distributing Co. & Julie
Barnes Scott, Bimbo Bakeries
USA
12
“The Voice of the Food Industry in Georgia”
SPRING GOLF TOURNAMENT
Babs Erwin & Billy Wall, Abita Brewing Company
Oscar Segovia, mike’s hard lemonade;
Wendell Keeling, Northeast Sales, Inc.; Oscar
Jaime, Dr Pepper Snapple Group
Kyle Boyer, Mercer Estates Winery;
Shawn Egan, Samuel Adams
Scott Blackwell, Trinchero Family Estates; Fred
Caldwell, Deep River Snacks; Ruben Fernandez, The
Kroger Company; Ralph Delgado, Snyder’s-Lance,
Inc.
HUGE thanks go to our volunteers for a successful
tournament!
Karen Heisel, Rocky Stubblefield & David Durkin, Stubb’s Monique Williams, Frito-Lay; Joe Hartman, Pepsi
Beverages Company; Jamey Leseueur, Food Depot
Legendary Bar-B-Q
Darren Toothaker, Tom Sayers & Phil Rosson, Publix
Super Markets, Inc.
Danny Dunbar, Snyder’s-Lance, Inc.; David Wells, The Kroger Company; George
Hagerty, Coca-Cola Refreshments
David Bullard, Piggly Wiggly AL Dist. Co.; Jack
Carlile, SUPERVALU INC
Horace Hamilton, The Kroger Company (retired); Donna Garcia,
Jana Artesian Water; Bruce Lucia, The Kroger Company
“The Voice of the Food Industry in Georgia”
13
SPRING GOLF TOURNAMENT
Barry Thompson, Flowers Foods; Wendell
Wright & Philip Wright, The Kroger
Company
Ken Inman, Flowers Foods; Ken Peeples &
Allen Hagan, Sherwood Foods
Todd Collins, Publix Super Markets, Inc.
& Carlton Golden, Snyder’s-Lance, Inc.
14
Jamey Leseueur, Food Depot &
Verlin Reece, Quality Foods, Inc.
Mike Faulk, The Kroger Company;
Mike Conrade & Rodney Strong,
Wells Blue Bunny
Randy Lineberger, Vernon Kelly & Brett Marler,
General Produce, LLC.
Greg Edenfield, Wayfield Foods
& Tom Clifford,
UTZ Quality Foods
Tony Scavo, North American Breweries & Stephanie Bullock, TNG
Greg Morris & Brill Bernich,
Constellation Brands
Melanie LeBlanc & Justin Berry,
Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
Jerry McCann, Piggly Wiggly AL Dist. Co.; Randy
Gentry, RBG Foods; Tom Coogle, Reynolds Foodliner.
Mike Faulk, The Kroger Company buys a raffle ticket
from fellow trustee Joe Lambert,
United Distributors Inc.
“The Voice of the Food Industry in Georgia”
SPRING GOLF TOURNAMENT
Special Thanks Go To Our Event Sponsors
for Making the Spring Golf Tournament a Success!
Grand Sponsor
Ball
Sponsor
Boodle Bag
Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Abita Brewing Company
Anheuser‑Busch, Inc. &
The GA Wholesaler Family
Bimbo Bakeries USA
Blue Bell Creameries
Britvic NA‑Fruit Shoot
Coca‑Cola Refreshments
Colorado Boxed Beef Company
ConAgra Private Brands
Constellation Brands
D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc.
Deoleo USA
DIAGEO‑Guinness USA
Dr Pepper
E & J Gallo Winery
Flowers Foods
Frito‑Lay/PepsiCo
General Produce, LLC.
Georgia Crown Distributing
Great Lakes Cheese Co.
Heineken USA
Koch & Associates
Living Essentials
Mayfield Dairy Farms
mike’s hard lemonade
MillerCoors
Milo’s Tea Company
Mitchell Grocery Corporation
Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing
Pretzel Crisps
Red Bull North America
Riteway Sales & Marketing
Savannah Distributing
Company / AQUA Hydrate
Seven Up Snapple Southeast
Sherwood Foods
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Stubb’s Legendary Bar‑B‑Q
Sunset Farm Foods, Inc.
SUPERVALU INC
Talking Rain Beverage Company
TNG
United Fire Protection
UTZ Quality Foods
Western Union
Wise Foods
Silver Sponsor
Community Coffee Company, LLC
Craft Brew Alliance
Deep River Snacks
Golden Flake Snack Foods
Bronze Sponsors
Icelandic Glacial Water
Jana Artesian & Mivela Sparkling Waters
Mondelez International
“The Voice of the Food Industry in Georgia”
15
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