Jun 12, 2014

Jerry Garland, Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc., Assumes Chairmanship

June 12, 2014 – Chicago – Food Marketing Institute (FMI) this week recommended its 2014 - 2015 slate of officers at its board of directors meeting, concurrent with FMI Connect, the new annual FMI Show.

Harris Teeter President and COO Fred Morganthall offered the following comments to the FMI Connect audience before turning his Chairmanship to Jerry Garland, president and CEO of Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc.:

“Together, over the past three years we have continued the work started by past Chairmen Ric Jurgens and Steve Smith in building a resurgent FMI. We have put in place an FMI strategic plan that will continue this winning trajectory.  And we have re-instituted FMI’s annual gathering, FMI Connect as the most important annual industry event. On the government relations front, we have taken the swipe fee fight to new levels, and have continued working to bring fairness to the more onerous aspects of the Affordable Care Act.  We have accomplished much, but there is still work to be done.”

Morganthall continued, “It gives me great joy – and I mean that, great joy – to tell you that the next FMI Chairman is Mr. Jerry Garland, president and CEO, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. I am thrilled to be passing the gavel to one whose opinion I have so come to respect and trust.”

In addition to Garland, the 2014-2015 officers include:

Vice Chairman, Wholesaler, J.H. Campbell, Associated Grocers, Inc.;

Vice Chairman, Independent Operators, Kevin Davis, Bristol Farms, Inc;

Vice Chairman, Member Services, Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee, Inc.;

Vice Chairman, Finance, Darioush Khaledi, K.V. Mart Co.;

Vice Chairman, Communications, Tres Lund, Lund Food Holdings, Inc.;

Vice Chairman, Public Affairs, Randall Onstead Bi-Lo Holdings, LLC;

Vice Chairman, Industry Relations, Joseph Sheridan, Wakefern Food Corporation; and

Vice Chairman, Food Safety, Colleen Wegman, Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.

FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin remarked, “With the support of these dynamic industry leaders, our association is poised to be an even stronger voice of food retail, actively promoting industry concerns and addressing the most pressing issues facing our members.”