Las Vegas, NV, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — The 2017 NGA Show opened with over 3,400 registered attendees, making it the seventh consecutive year of record breaking attendance levels. Alongside a sold-out EXPO floor, the National Grocers Association’s (NGA) annual convention also witnessed a record attendance level for retailer and wholesaler participants.
“The NGA Show continues to experience growth, showcasing that this event is truly the event where independents gather. We are excited to continue to build off of the momentum from previous NGA Shows,” said Peter J. Larkin, president and CEO of NGA.
Over the next two days, The NGA Show will feature more than 40 education workshops and a sold-out EXPO floor with over 325 exhibitors in various categories such as produce, meat, technology, craft beers, and general merchandise and health, wellness and beauty product sectors.
“Year after year, the NGA team seeks to provide Show attendees with an event that has them leaving with the necessary resources, tools and solutions to address shifting demands and marketplace challenges, and ultimately help them grow their bottom line,” Larkin noted.
Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John Boehner was featured as the keynote speaker for the opening session, sponsored by The Kraft Heinz Company. A former small businessman, Boehner served for nearly five years as the 53rd Speaker of the House, where he led efforts for a smaller, less costly, and more accountable federal government.
In addition to today’s NGA Show events, the NGA Board of Directors, by recommendation of its nominating committee and a subsequent vote by the NGA membership, announced the 2017 Board of Directors, Officers and Executive Committee members, as well as the election of eight new Board members.
The 2017 NGA Board of Directors:
Executive Committee Officers
Chairman: Bob Ling – Unified Grocers, Inc.
Immediate Past Chairman: Rich Niemann, Jr. – Niemann Foods, Inc.
Vice Chairman: Cheryl Sommer – Kaune’s Neighborhood Market
Treasurer: Rich McMenamin – McMenamin Family ShopRite
Secretary: Ted Balistreri, Sendik’s Food Markets
President and CEO: Peter J. Larkin, National Grocers Association
Members appointed to the 2017 Executive Committee:
Kim Eskew – Harps Food Stores, Inc.
Roger Lowe, Jr. – Lowe’s Market
Jeff Reagan – Wakefern Food Corp.
David Smith – Associated Wholesale Grocers
Michael Stigers – SUPERVALU, Inc.
Newly elected & appointed to the 2017 NGA Board of Directors:
Jim Badalati – CROSSMARK
Kimberly Brackett – Brackett’s Market IGA
Nancy Chagares – Save-a-lot Food Stores
Jesse Garcia – Post Consumer Brands
Jan Gee – Washington Food Industry Association
Reed Kessler – Kessler’s Inc.
Christopher Miller – Associated Grocers of Florida, Inc.
Zulema Wiscovitch – Associated Supermarket Group
NGA would like to recognize and thank the following outgoing board members for their service and leadership:
Randy Arceneaux – Affiliated Foods, Inc.
Rick Brindle – Mondelēz International
Spencer Coates – Houchens Industries, Inc.
Ron Fong – California Grocers Association
David Maniaci – Nicholas Market
Todd Mitchell – CROSSMARK
Contact:
Tel: (703) 516-0700
Fax: (703) 516-0115
Source: NGA