2014 Southern Annual Meeting Magazine

Fired Up for The Southern!

Great Value for Your Investment Dollars!

Industry Experts with the Latest Profit-Making Techniques!

Awesome Opportunities for Networking

A MEMBERS ONLY SHOW

Inside…

20 2013 Award Winners 35 When Thinking Outside the Box 36 Southern Showcase Schedule of Events 38 Teamwork Best with a Common Goal 60 Officers and Directors Elected and Installed 64 New Orleans Convention Wrap-Up 70 2013 SAWD College Scholarship Winners 71 Taxing Candy, Snack Foods, and Beverages?

72 Advertisers Directory

SAWD 91st Annual Meeting & Trade Show • Westin Savannah Harbor Savannah International Trade and Convention Center

June 3-6, 2014 (Show Days June 5-6)

IT’S A B ATT L E O U T T HE R E.

SHIELD UP.

THE WIN-WIN APPROACH TO CATEGORY MANAGEMENT • Consultative approach to growing each store • In-depth local sales data to guide decisions • CMA-certified category managers

VEN DOR OF THE Y E AR

SWISHER.COM 800.874.9720

JACKSONVILLE , FL

Table of Contents Letter from the Governor of Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Letter from the Mayor of Savannah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Letter from the SAWD President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Letter from the SLD President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Hospitality Suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 First Lady’s Social Invitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Letter from the Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Award Winners 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 2014 Education Fund Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 New Exhibitor Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 17th Annual Silent Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 A Note About Anti-Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Welcome New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 SLD Business Resource in Nashville, TN . . . . . . . . . 32-33 When Thinking Outside the Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-37 Teamwork Best with a Common Goal . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Council of Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 SAWD Executive Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 2014 SAWD State Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44, 46 2014 At-Large Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 2014 SAWD Board Broker Rep, SLD Rep, Legislative Liaison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Manufacturer Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 2013 - 2014 SLD Officers & Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 2013 - 2014 Officers & Directors Elected and Installed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60-61 2013 New Orleans Convention Wrap-Up . . . . . . . . . 64-65 Mid-Year BOD Meeting in Scottsdale, AZ . . . . . . . 66-67 2013 SAWD College Scholarship Winners . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Taxing Candy, Snack Foods, and Beverages? . . . . . . . . 71 Advertisers Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 SAWD 2014

1

2

SAWD 2014

SAWD 2014

3

4

SAWD 2014

A Letter from the President

Greetings to all my friends in the SAWD! Two years ago, I wrote about what an honor it was to serve as president of the Southern Associa­ tion of Wholesale Distributors. Well, those two years have gone by very quickly, and today I consider myself truly blessed to have had the opportunity to lead such a wonderful organization.

I’d like to take a moment to congratulate Paula Glide­ well, who will be taking over the reins as presi­dent at this year’s Annual Convention. Paula is a terrific person, a hard worker, and an old friend of mine, and I am certain she has what it takes to be an outstanding president of our association.

This last year has been a very busy one and the time has gone by so fast it seems like we just re turned from our mid-year! Scottsdale, AZ was a great place for a warm break from such a long, cold winter and a fantastic locale for enjoying the work, play and the close-knit relation­ ships we all have with each other in the Southern.

The same feeling was there as we attended the Southern leadership Division in Nashville, TN. The fine folks at U.S. Smokeless Tobacco were more than gracious hosts 6

when we were provided with a plant tour that was both educational and enjoyable. The classroom seminars held at the beautiful Omni Hotel were also very informative.

There’s no place better to enjoy warm, Southern hospi­ tality than Music City, USA! That brings us to the 2014 Annual Convention as we return to one of our favorite destinations, Savannah, GA. Last year, our Meeting With A Mission was brand new and proved to be a huge success. I certainly hope Greg can schedule it again for this year. If he does, don’t miss it!

The Southern Association is truly a great group of ­people and I know that through this organization Donna and I have forged some lifelong friendships. I knew from my first meeting that this group was special, especially in the way everyone tried so hard to make us feel welcome.

Even though I’ve completed my two years as president, I sincerely hope that we can stay in touch. So please give me a call and let me know how you’re doing.

Thanks for everything,

Dick Dunham SAWD 2014

www.core-mark.com

We are passionate about the business We are committed to our Customers.

Come see for yourself.

Whether you are an independent retailer or a part of a national chain, Core-Mark offers each of its customers valuable customized solutions and services designed to help you grow your business.

We offer resources to help drive sales and profits: • Product Trends & Optimized Offering • Regional Demographics & Space Rationalization • Data Analysis & Competitive Comparison We are committed to providing superior customer service while delivering quality products and value-added resources to our customer.

Atlanta

Eric Meyer 4820 North Church Ln. Smyrna GA 30080 (404) 792-2000

Forrest City

Ed Schwacke 3400 Commerce Road Forrest City AR 72335 (870) 633-2044

Ft. Worth

Chris Hughes 6401 Will Rogers Blvd.

Fort Worth TX 76134 (817) 293-5558

Kentucky

Matt Ashley 1055 Salt River Road Leitchfield KY 42754 (270) 259-9341

Carolina

Gary Dozier 1144 Broadway Road Sanford NC 27332 (919) 774-9444

Tampa

Jason Nevin 9020 King Palm Dr. Tampa FL 33619 (813) 664-0474

A Letter from the SLD President Welcome Back to Savannah! As we begin another great meeting of the Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors, the Southern Leadership Division is still going as strong as ever.

The 2013 SLD Meeting in Nashville, TN was a huge success. We had many new wholesale companies and manufacturers participating for the first time in Nashville. We also had several fresh, new faces meeting with us and sharing ideas from wholesalers and manufacturers that regularly participate, but decided to send new employees this year. We also welcomed several new Board members to the SLD Board, and their feedback in their first meeting was outstanding.

As a part of the event in Nashville, Altria invited us to tour the U. S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USST) plant. That tour presented a great opportunity to learn more about the manufacturing process and increase our overall knowledge of one of our best-selling and most consistent categories. Many participants in the event said that this tour was the highlight of their trip.

Additionally, the education sessions that were offered in Nashville were some of the best that we’ve ever offered at an SLD Mid-year event. We had one speaker, for a full day, covering a wide range of topics from employee retention, to motivation, and even corporate culture and structure. I have no hesitation in saying every participating wholesale company, manufacturer, broker, and SLD Member left that meeting motivated and excited, and ready to make positive changes in their companies’ operations.

Lastly, as the meeting in Savannah is my last event as the President of the SLD, I would like to welcome April Garver, of SouthCo, as the new president. I know April will bring in new ideas and continue to be a strong proponent of the SLD. I also want to thank all of the vendor sponsors, speakers, and participants in SLD events of the past two years. All of you have made my job incredibly easy, and the SLD would be nothing without all of you.

Sincerely, Donnie Childers

Donnie Childers

8

SAWD 2014

CIGARETTES

Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company is a Signatory to the Master Settlement Agreement.

Natural American SpiritŽ is a registered trademark of Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co. Š SFNTC 1 2014

SAWD 2014

9

Hospitality Suite Be sure to drop by our “Southern Hospitality Suite”…during the day for a cup of coffee or a soft drink… and in the evening, a hosted bar.

It’s a great place to meet, make plans with friends, or just relax.

Adjacent to the Hospitality Suite will be the Silent Auction to benefit our Education Fund. This Silent Auction features over $15,000 worth of items contributed by the members of the Board of Directors, exhibitors, and others.

Hours Open: Noon to 5:00 p.m. — Wednesday After Dinner (About 10:00 p.m.) - Until — Wednesday evening 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. — Thursday After Dinner (About 10:00 p.m.) - Until — Thursday evening Harbor Ballroom, Westin Savannah Harbor The “Southern Hospitality Suite” is provided to all convention delegates by the Manufacturer & Broker Representatives on your Southern Board of Directors: Altria Group Distribution Company American Snuff Company Burdette Beckmann Commonwealth Altadis USA Creative Data Research Dot Foods Jack Links Beef Jerky Lil’ Drug Store Products Lorillard Tobacco Company

10

Matrix Brokerage National Tobacco Nestlé USA R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Republic Tobacco Company Swedish Match Swisher International The Hershey Company

SAWD 2014

ICONIC BRANDS FOR MAXIMIZING PROFITS. If you want a partner that delivers at the highest level, turn to The Hershey Company.

Our category-leading brands, knowledge and insights deliver optimum sales for you and your retailers every day. So let’s talk. Together we can find the best solution for building more results for your business.

The Hershey Company is proud to support the Southern Association of Warehouse Distributors.

www.hersheys.com

SAWD 2014

11

First Lady’s Social First Lady Donna Dunham wishes to extend an invitation to all spouses and guests attending the Annual Meeting, to join her for the First Lady’s Social which will be held on Thursday, June 5th from 10:00 am until 11:30 am Donna is asking for all those attending to bring a cookbook from their area of the South (Church, Junior League, etc.) to swap!

This is an ideal opportunity to meet some of the other attendees while enjoying the Brunch.

This Social is also a great meeting place to gather with friends prior to going out for the day.

Please check your onsite brochure for location.

12

SAWD 2014

From the Chief Executive Officer…

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.

We are also very excited to have Bonnie Herzog, Managing Director, Beverage, Tobacco and Convenience Store Research with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, join us to share her insight on how the current business landscape impacts us today and in the future. Her candid remarks and valued insights on data and trends will enlighten everyone on the future of beverage, tobacco and convenience markets.

– Colin Powell

W

hile the economy continues to show improvement in 2014, distributors and wholesalers continue to face challenges such as continuing consolidation, increased competition, changing rules/ regulations and new vendor requirements.

The Southern has the right mix of people, product and drive to meet these challenges head-on and we have put together a jam-packed conference schedule to provide you with the additional tools you need to Fire Up Your Sales for the remainder of 2014.

Our Thursday keynote session features Terry McKenna, an internationally acclaimed author, speaker and consultant to Fortune 500 companies, speaking on “Successfully Navigating a Sea of Change.” Terry is also leading one of the breakout sessions later that morning that will translate his general session message into an actionable roadmap of strategies and tactics to overcome the challenges that you face as a result of change.

Michelle Barry, President and CEO of Centric Innovation, kicks off the education sessions on Thursday by sharing her expertise on Brand Anthropology and how it affects human attitudes, behaviors and trends. Michelle has 15+ years of experience working with manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and suppliers to uncover the nuances of ­human behavior that lead to successful brand, product and retail experiences.

Friday’s keynote speaker is Howard Wasdin, author, speaker and former Navy Seal, who received the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his gallantry and injuries sustained during the Somalia conflict, later nicknamed Black Hawk Down. His story is a compelling and inspirational message on teamwork, leadership and change illustrated through awe-inspiring stories, captivating visuals, and heart-racing accounts of life in the line of fire.

14

Meetings with a Mission is an initiative, back for its second year, designed to encourage connections between attendees and those in the community for the purpose of doing good. SAWD MWM is partnering with the Savannah Union Mission allowing us to step away from the hustle and bustle, roll-up our sleeves, and work for a couple of hours alongside one another for a worthy cause. Join us for a different kind of experience at the Southern on Wednesday afternoon.

The Westin features the ability to “walk out” to the course as the Golf Club at Savannah Harbor is not only one the best course in the area…it is located on the Westin’s property. Our “off campus” events include an optional tour to one of the best cooking schools in the region at the Mansion on Forsyth Park’s 700 Kitchen Cooking School, as well as the return of the infamous Southern Pub Crawl.

And last, but not least, our exposition will feature a wide variety of companies and products, most of which are offering show-only deals that will—if taken advantage of—more than cover the cost of your trip. For each order that distributors place on the show floor, they “earn back” up to 50% of their registration fee in cash at the show! (Full details on the Distributor Rebate Program may be found in the on-site program).

Hope you can be there to learn, buy, and network!

Sincerely,

Greg Martin Chief Executive Officer SAWD 2014

Best Wishes for a Successful Convention!

Servicing: Philip Morris USA U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company John Middleton NuMark

Welcome to Savannah!

WHEN IT COMES TO TOTAL TOBACCO, CA HAS YOU COVERED.

©2014 COMMONWEALTH BRANDS, INC.

16

©2014 ALTADIS U.S.A. INC.

SAWD 2014

For Trade Purposes Only

TOGETHER WE ARE CREATING COMMON WEALTH.

CONTACT YOUR COMMONWEALTH – ALTADIS, INC. SALES REPRESENTATIVE OR CALL 1-888-781-9100 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND MARKETING MATERIALS.

SAWD 2014

17

®

®

TM

W IT H 10 0 % NATU RA L IN GR ED IE NT S

TM

Building your business with trusted brands™ *SOURCE: IRI 2011 ®, TM, © 2013 Kellogg NA Co.

®, TM, © 2013 Bear Naked, Inc.

18

SAWD 2014

2/99

¢

Game® White Grape Cigarillos 2-for-99¢ Upright UPC: 0-31700-00987-1

Game® Red Cigarillos 2-for-99¢ Upright UPC: 0-31700-42005-8

Game® Gold Cigarillos 2-for-99¢ Upright UPC: 0-31700-00984-0

Game® Blue Cigarillos 2-for-99¢ Upright UPC: 0-31700-00988-8

Game® Black Cigarillos 2-for-99¢ Upright UPC: 0-31700-00985-7

Game® Grape Cigarillos 2-for-99¢ Upright UPC: 0-31700-00986-4

Game® Green Cigarillos 2-for-99¢ Upright UPC: 0-31700-00989-5

Game® Silver Cigarillos 2-for-99¢ Upright UPC: 0-31700-00983-3

NATURAL LEAF CIGARILLOS

NATURAL LEAF CIGARILLOS FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR SWEDISH MATCH REPRESENTATIVE. 800-367-3677 customer.service@smna.com ©2014 SWEDISH MATCH NORTH AMERICA, INC.

SAWD 2014

19

2013 Award Winners

The 2013 SAWD Allied Products Representative of the Year Award went to Steve Stomel with ProCat Distribution Technologies. Steve is shown with Steve Sandman with Republic Tobacco, the 2012 winner.

2013 SAWD Allied Products Rep of the Year Award

Jeff Leischner with Thomas & Howard received the 2013 SAWD Service Award from the 2012 winner, Bennett Roberts with Matrix Brokerage.

20

2013 SAWD Service Award

Bill Henry with Kelloggs received the 2013 SAWD Candy Representative of the Year award from the 2012 winner, Michael Hughes with The Hershey Co.

Bill Dunn with Swisher International received the 2013 SAWD Tobacco Representative of the Year Award from the 2011 winner, Clark Sturdivant with National Tobacco.

2013 Candy Representative of the Year Award

2013 Tobacco Rep of the Year Award

Congratulations to Jimmy Stewart with Stewart Distribution for receiving the 2013 SAWD Career Achievement Award. Jimmy was handed his award

by Steve Shing with Grocery Supply Co., the 2006 winner.

Donnie Childers with Home Folks Wholesale received the 2013 SAWD Southern Leader of the Year Award.

Shown here with the 2012 winner, Barry Krebs with K 足 elloggs.

SAWD 2014

2013 Award Winners

2013 Career Achievement Award

Sonny Wooten with Southco Distributing accepts the 2013 SAWD Liberty Award from Jeff Leischner with Thomas & Howard, the 2011 winner.

2013 Liberty Award

Paula Glidewell with Glidewell Distributing was awarded the 2013 Lorillard Lou Gordon Humanitarian Award from Lorillard’s Bob Klein.

2013 Lou Gordon Humanitarian Award

2013 Southern Leader of the Year Award Paula Glidewell, VP of the SAWD, is shown with representatives of the Savannah Union Mission who received a check from The Southern as part of the Southern’s Meetings With a Mission Program.

SAWD 2014

21

Education Fund Contributors 2014 Allison Wholesale

Gummer Wholesale

Nestlé USA

Altria Sales & Distribution

H. T. Hackney

Penguin Ice

Amcon Distributing

Hardec’s

Quik Trip Corp.

Andalusia Distributing

Home Folks Wholesale

R. J. Reynolds

Ashland Specialty

Imperial Trading

Red Smith Foods

Associated Distributors

Inter-Continental Cigar

Renfro Supply

Atlantic Dominion Dist.

J.F. Johnson, Inc.

Republic Tobacco

Burdette Beckmann

J.L. Gaddy Wholesale

Sledd Co.

Caldwell Wholesale

Jack Link’s Beef Jerky

Smith Wholesale

Charles C. Parks Co.

Jackson Wholesale

Smokey Mountain Chew

Cheyenne International

Kellogg’s

Southco Distributing

Church Point Wholesale

King III Solutions

Standard Distributing

City Wholesale Grocery

Lil’ Drug Store

Stewart Candy

Claude’s Candy Brokerage

Long Distribution

Stewart Distribution

Core-Mark

Lorillard Tobacco

Swedish Match

Corso, Inc.

Lyons Specialty

Swisher International

Creative Data Research

M. R. Williams, Inc.

The Corr-Williams Company

Dot Foods

Management Science Associates

The Hershey Company

Douglas Companies

Mars Chocolate

Trend Sales

Eby-Brown Company

Matrix Brokerage

Turkey Creek Snacks

Franklin Supply

McLane Company

U.S. Flue-Cured Tobacco

Glidewell Distributing

Merchants Grocery

UniPro Foodservice

Golbon

MOBISOFT

Venture Sales

Grocery Supply

National Tobacco

Warren Oil

22

SAWD 2014

SAWD 2014

23

5173 Pioneer Drive • Meridian, MS 39301 P.O. Box 667 • Marion, MS 39342 (601) 482-3144 • (800) 828-5664 • Fax (601) 482-3109

201 North Fulton Drive • Corinth, MS 38834 P.O. Box 250 • Corinth, MS 38835-0250 (662) 287-2421 • (800) 822-5664 • Fax (662) 287-6689

MERIDIAN Kenny Coghlan Ray Long, Jr. Sam E. Long, III Trey Long

CORINTH Rusty Boone Colby Carmichiel Tracy Dye Jeff Johnson Randy Long Tommy Stine

www.longwholesale.com

24

SAWD 2014

230 South 22nd Avenue • Durant, OK 74701 Phone 580-920-0110 • Fax 580-920-1323 • Toll Free 800-442-2880

www.INWsupply.com

Durant • Norman • Lawton

SAWD 2014

25

MERCHANTS GROCERY COMPANY, INC. A Company You Can Count On

Proudly Supports

The South Southern hern A Association sssociiatiion of Wholesale Distributors ors

800 Maddox Drive Culpeper,VA 22701 540-825-0786 Fax: 540-825-9016

Wholesale Wh l l Di Distributors ib Si Since 1917

www.merchants-grocery.com

New Exhibitor Spotlight We would like to extend a warm Southern Welcome to the following exhibitors who are showing for the first time (or who have not been with us in several years)…

AFG Distribution AirUp Vending Ammex Corporation Autofry, MTI AW Industries Great Midwest Tube Gurkha Cigar Group Integral Logistics Kunzler & Co., Inc. McLane Global

26

National Association of Tobacco Outlets Rudolph Foods STG- Lane Limited Smitty’s Supply Snyder’s – Lance, Inc. Tryst LLC Tsunami Electronic Cigarettes USA Sales Velociti Alliance North America

SAWD 2014

SAWD 2014

27

Representative items only

17th Annual

SILENT AUCTION to Benefit the Education Fund

The Southern’s Education Fund was established a number of years ago to provide educational opportunities for members, their employees and family members. The Silent Auction, which will be held throughout the convention, will raise money for the fund. Our Education and Convention 28

Committees last year were successful in raising over $15,000 for our Education Fund through the Silent Auction. With your support and participation we hope to exceed that figure this year. Items are offered through the generosity of Southern members and exhibitors.

SAWD 2014

SAWD 2014

29

A Note About Anti-Trust…

As this meeting begins, we must remind you of ­certain essential ground rules which must be respected, not only at this meeting, but on every occasion, social or otherwise, during any meeting of The Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors.

There can be absolutely no discussion between or among competitors at any time concerning prices you charge or propose to charge your customers… the price you pay or propose to pay your suppliers… or the terms and conditions under which you buy and sell the products in which you deal.

The antitrust laws are designed to encourage competition at all levels of production and ­distribution.

The Southern Association of Whole­sale Distributors is committed to a­ d­herence to those laws. Please keep these principles in mind for the benefit of us all.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! On behalf of the members, directors, and officers of The Southern, we would like to welcome the following new members:

Advanced Marketing / Midsouth Davison Fuels & Oil Georgia Wholesale Great Midwest Tube Gurkha Cigar Group, Inc. Modern Wholesale & Tobacco Scandanavian Tobacco Group / Lane LTD Trend Sales 30

SAWD 2014

Customer Ordering

on SMARTPHONES

Free Set-Up • Free Support • No Contracts 952-215-1680 | info@MOBISOFT.mobi | www.MOBIair.co SAWD 2014

31

SLD Meeting at The Omni Nashville

T

he brand new Omni Nashville Hotel was the location for the 2013 SLD Business Resource Meeting.

Members of the Southern Leadership Division participated in a two-day conference focusing on topics specific to the convenience products industry.

Informative and interactive sessions were well received on topics such as “Establishing Performance Standards” and “Creating a High-Performance Workforce” both lead by Terry McKenna, Principal of Employee Performance Strategies, Inc., Voss W. Graham, with InnerActive Consulting Group, Inc., spoke on the topic of “Getting Greater Results with Teams” and ending with Dan Kiefer with King III Solutions informing us on “Survival is a State…Not a Strategy.”

One of the highlights of the meeting was a field trip to the USSTB facility in

32

Nashville. The attendees got to see how the smokeless products are packaged and shipped to their warehouses. A big thank you to Altria Sales & Distribution for their hospitality.

A very informative roundtable discussion was lead by some of The Southern’s own distributors. As always, these discussions offered many new and different ideas for those in attendance to take back to their own businesses. This is always one of the most valuable events of the meeting.

The group also had a chance to enjoy dinner and some entertainment on Broadway. Needless to say, a great time was had at by all!!

A very special thanks goes to our sponsors for their generous assistance in making this meeting a success!

Platinum Sponsors Lorillard Tobacco R. J. Reynolds Tobacco American Snuff Commonwealth Altadis SAWD Education Fund Gold Sponsors Altria Sales & Distribution Swedish Match Swisher International Silver Sponsors Creative Data Research Kellogg’s National Tobacco The Hershey Company Bronze Sponsors Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Republic Tobacco SAWD 2014

SAWD 2014

33

SLD Leadership Meeting 2014 Orlando - Universal • Hard Rock Hotel November 12 thru 14th, 2014

34

SAWD 2014

When Thinking Outside the Box… Whose Box is the Question?

by Voss Graham Interesting thing happened last week as a client was reflecting upon how much they wanted to “Think Outside the Box.” Now, normally when I hear this statement, I get all excited about doing something new and out of the ordinary. To take a risk—a calculated risk for sure— and find new ways to do things… then creativity and innovation are essential.

These new things or ways should lead to differentiation and greater results.

Well, a funny thing happened along the path to working outside the box. I felt resistance to a number of ideas and thoughts about ways to change how things were being done. I was excited as the visions of significant improvements and greater results were dancing in my head (I know it sounds like I’m talking about Christmas—sorry!)

Then I began to truly listen to the blocks and comments about the new ideas—which were not coming from the originator of the statement of “Thinking Outside the Box.” I realized we were still playing in “their limiting” Box rather than another “open to new ideas” Box where the ideas were flowing rapidly.

This leader had a different definition of “Thinking Outside the Box.” Wanting to improve the existing format within the boundaries of their box was their expected outcome.

Thus, everyone who helped to create a new vision using a boundary-less box became demotivated and in some cases—tricked.

The moral to this story is before you do any rapid Outside the Box Thinking, you need to truly understand the boundaries being set by the person in charge. I realized this person wanted more of an incremental approach— SAWD 2014

more of a fine-tuning the current—rather than any radical or new idea. Figure out “whose Box will you be using with your thoughts?”

This was a case of making assumptions based upon a broad statement by the person in charge. Therefore, it is more important to understand their idea of exactly what their definition of “Thinking Outside the Box” will be or is. After learning what their expectations are, you will be able to set the parameters for delivering a solution fitting their scope of the problem.

Not everyone has a command of the languages whereby they can accurately relate their descriptions of ideas, needs and wants. It is our responsibility to ask enough questions to uncover the boundaries or lack of boundaries for creativity, innovation and new or fresh ideas to spring forward.

When you take the time to understand the real or ­preferred result or outcome, the greater the energy is focused to create it. If energy is applied and the results are rejected—the team takes a hit and can become either frustrated or worst, totally demotivated. Engage others with focused energy and enjoy the results and outcomes every time.

Voss Graham Senior Business Advisor/CEO at InnerActive Consulting Group Inc. Contact him at 901-757-4434 or use the LinkedIn <http://www.linkedin. com/in/VossWGraham> 35

SAWD 91st Annual Meeting and T Note: This is a tentative schedule of events. All details subject to change. WWW.the-Southern.org will always have the latest information. The on-site program supersedes all pre-printed materials.

TUESDAY, June 3 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM Registration Desk Open

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

to enjoy. Back by popular demand, with a new chef and menu, this will be an interactive class in a state-of-the-art, full size kitchen with in-depth discussion and explanation of culinary techniques and simple tricks that make cooking a very approachable form of art. You will be invited to assist in the preparation and will also enjoy a generous sampling of the menu at the conclusion of the class.

Chair/Vice Chair Meeting

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Committee Meetings

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Finance & Budget Committee

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Executive Committee Meeting

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM SAWD Meetings with a Mission

6:45 PM – 9:30 PM Chairman’s Reception & Dinner The Olde Pink House

For members of the Board of Directors and Past Presidents.

WEDNESDAY, June 4 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Meetings with a Mission is a Southern initiative designed to encourage connections between attendees and those in the community for the purpose of doing good. SAWD MWM is again partnering with the Savannah Union Mission this year in a half-day of service, allowing us to step away from the hustle and bustle, roll-up our sleeves, and work alongside one another for a worthy cause.

Join us for a different kind of experience at the Southern’s 91st Anniversary & Trade Show.

Golf Tournament

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

See insert for registration form.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The Golf Club at Savannah Harbor www.theclubatsavannahharbor.com 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Registration Desk Open

SAWD Board of Directors’ Meeting

Dinner and awards done “Southern style.”

After Dinner – Until Hospitality Suite - Open to All Delegates

36

Employee Performance Strategies Change has always been a constant, but never before has it been so swift and dramatic. We live in a fastermoving, more uncertain world with mounting complexity: increasing regulations and compliance, sales and margin erosion, shifting competitive landscape, and a more culturally diverse customer base. In an industry with shifting paradigms your capacity to adapt becomes a survival strategy. Organizations need to be quicker and much more agile.

You have a choice: you can view change as an opportunity or a threat; resist or embrace.

Resisting change will render your organization irrelevant in a heartbeat. Embracing change by hardwiring it into your organization’s DNA will enable you to gain and sustain a longterm competitive advantage.

Terry McKenna is an internationally acclaimed author, speaker and consultant to Fortune 500 companies. Principal and co-founder of Employee Performance Strategies, Inc. (EPS), Terry helps companies become the customers’ brand of choice by becoming the employer of choice. He is a well-known and respected author on a wide variety of topics. Terry writes a monthly column for National Petroleum News (NPN), and Tobacco Retailer. His work with a diverse client list of c-store wholesalers and retailers enables him to bring candid, best-in-class lessons learned to each of his topics.

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Southern Soirée

Whether considered a Chef or a cooking novice, the engaging cooking classes at Mansion on Forsyth Park’s 700 Kitchen Cooking School are a culinary experience perfect for everyone

Terry McKenna Principal and Co-Founder

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

7:15 PM - 10:00 PM

“700 Cooking School”

Keynote: “Successfully Navigating a Sea of Change”

Education Sessions

All delegates invited

Optional Tour and Luncheon

General Session

SLD Board Meeting

Welcome Reception

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

7:30 AM - 8:45 AM

THURSDAY, June 5 7:15 AM - 5:00 PM Registration Desk Open

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM Kick-Off Breakfast (Continental)

Session 1 “Brand Anthropology: How Cultural Context Affects Human Attitudes and Behavior” Michelle Barry President & CEO

Centric Innovation Brand Anthropology is the study of brand culture and is rooted in a deep understanding of how the power and significance of cultural context affects human attitudes and behavior…that which moves and influences us at a collective level AND that people often can’t articulate. With a doctorate in socio-cultural and medical anthropology, and applied arts degree in

SAWD 2014

Trade Show – Schedule of Events the beverage and tobacco sectors in equity research, as a sell-side equity research analyst.

Prior to joining Citi in 2002, Ms. Herzog was the senior beverage and tobacco analyst at Credit Suisse since 1997.

8:45 AM - 9:45 AM Distributors Forum Representatives of All Distribution Companies are encouraged to attend. This meeting is open to Distributors only.

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM First Lady’s Social Open to All Spouses and Guests

8:45 AM - 9:45 AM Exhibitors Forum Representatives of All Exhibiting Companies are encouraged to attend.

10:10 AM - 11:10 AM Session 2

12:30 PM – 1:45 PM State Association Executives & Political Affairs Luncheon

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Board of Directors Meeting

Breakout: ”Strategies to Leverage Change to Your Advantage”

1:30 PM - 5:00 PM Grand Opening of Exposition

Terry McKenna Principal and Co-Founder Employee Performance Strategies

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM “Get Acquainted Reception”

This session breaks down the general session message into an actionable roadmap of strategies and tactics for organizations to undertake. Winning strategies require creativity and insight, flexibility, and clarity of purpose and direction. This session will provide organizations with an assessment process that examines internal and competitive strengths and weaknesses; the customer value proposition and relationship; along with an implementation and execution plan that includes a key metric scorecard and accountability matrix.

Playing by the market leaders rules is competitive suicide. The key is to change the rules of engagement and tilt the playing field to your advantage.

7:15 PM - 10:00 PM Awards Banquet

visual communications, Michelle Barry develops new approaches for articulating brand and retail experiences through the lens of consumer culture. She has spent the past 15 years pioneering innovative methods and strategic analytic frameworks to truly get underneath the nuances of human behavior and sensory experiences that lead to successful brand, product and retail experiences. Michelle has co-authored two books: Reflections on a Cultural Brand and Marketing in the Soul Age.

11:20 AM - 12:20 AM Session 3 “Industry Insights: An Analyst’s Perspective” Bonnie Herzog Managing Director, Beverage, Tobacco and Convenience Store Research Wells Fargo Securities, LLC Well known for her candid remarks and valued insight as a beverage, tobacco and convenience store industry financial analyst, Bonnie Herzog is aptly capable to translate how the global business and consumer landscapes impact us today and what is projected for future business. Herzog presents the data, trends and increased likelihood of continued evolution of the beverage, tobacco and convenience markets.

Bonnie Herzog is Managing Director, Beverage, Tobacco and Convenience Store Research at Wells Fargo Securities Prior to joining Wells Fargo in 2010, She was a managing director at Citi Investment Research where she covered

SAWD 2014

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Executive Committee Meeting 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Exposition Open

This evening is an opportunity to recognize some of the Southern’s award recipients… people who have each demonstrated extensive commitment to service and achievement in the industry.

After Dinner – Until Hospitality Suite - Open to All Delegates

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM SLD Social

FRIDAY, JUNE 6

“Crawl - Southern Style”

9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Registration Desk Open

This adventure begins with dinner at one of the best seafood restaurants in Savannah.

After dinner we will board a trolley and depart for a very “Southern” Historic District Pub Crawl. After we visit a few of Savannah’s famous pubs, the trolley will drop us back off on famous River Street where you will be able to continue “the crawl” on your own, or you may choose to take the water taxi back to the hotel. Ticket price includes dinner and beverages at the restaurant, a trolley ride to Savannah’s Historic District and a drink at each pub.

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM Industry Breakfast (Continental) 7:15 AM - 8:30 AM General Membership Meeting Overcoming Adversity: A Patriot’s Story Howard E. Wasdin, D.C. Author and Motivational Speaker Howard Wasdin served in the US Navy for twelve years, nine of which were as part of the SEAL Teams. For his involvement in Operation Gothic Serpent in 1993, he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action and the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in action. After twelve years, he was medically discharged due to the injuries he sustained in Somalia. The Somalia conflict would later become more commonly known as Black Hawk Down, nicknamed after the story depicted by Mark Bowden in his book and movie of the same name.

= Ticket Required Pre-purchase your raffle tickets for a chance to win one of two $1,000 cash prizes. Proceeds will go to support the Education Fund. For your convenience, we have included a space for you to order your tickets right on the convention registration form. SAWD members have been sent tickets to pre-sell and tickets will be sold on-site as well.

The Southern 3459 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Suite C Suwanee, GA 30024-6427 Ph) 770-932-5810 Fax) 770-932-3276 www.the-southern.org 37

Teams Work Best with a Common Goal

by Voss Graham

again reducing the level of performance of the team.

Teams work best with a common goal should be a clearly understood requirement for team leaders. However, for various reasons a common goal is not used as it should be used. There are a couple of reasons for lacking a common goal within work teams.

Common goals are just that—known as the common target for the team. It should be fully discussed and all positions or agendas should be placed upon the table.

Open discussion creates commitment and buy-in by the team members allowing for higher levels of performance and results. A side note to the open discussion—better results, expectations and methodology for results are usually created using open discussion and listening to each members points of view.

First, no one brings up the actual goal for a team. Many times the discussions within a team are about activities, tasks, and to do’s. They leave out the most important part that clarifies direction for the team’s operational results.

Second, no one can agree upon one goal for the team.

Each person defines their role within the team based upon what they want to do or whatever is their personal agenda. Therefore, the team is splintered and moving toward different goals—usually conflicting goals—which pulls apart a team. The biggest ego usually wins the day and many are left feeling left out or purposeless.

Third, a goal has been set by one person either inside or outside the team, yet, has not shared the goal with anyone working on the team. Therefore, misalignment or a lack of focus wins the day. The leader who does not share the overall common goal is undermining the performance of the team. This factor also eliminates or reduces any discussion by the team members about the target.

Therefore, individual and team commitment is lowered— 38

Teams need a common goal for clear focus and execution for attainment. Team leaders need to start a team project with open discussion about the common goals and listen to the alternatives for results. Sometimes the unexpected results or path becomes clear using open dialogue.

Voss Graham Senior Business Advisor/CEO at InnerActive Consulting Group Inc. Contact him at 901-757-4434 or use the LinkedIn <http://www.linkedin. com/in/VossWGraham> SAWD 2014

James F. “Bucky” Johnson, President 225 Summerland Avenue Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29006 P.O. Box 2499 Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29070-2499

(803) 532-6341 1(800) 821-9744 Fax (803) 532-9552 www.JFJohnsonInc.com SAWD 2014

39

Council of Presidents

Jimmy Stewart Stewart Distribution Waycross, GA 2008-2010

Bob Pierpoint

Imperial Trading Co., Inc. Elmwood, LA 1998-2000

Dick Bray

Premier Beverage & Equipment Franklin, TN 1989 - 1990

Mark Davenport

J. T. Davenport & Sons, Inc Sanford, NC 2006-2008

Duane Schneider

DUSA Distribution Center, Inc. Melbourne, FL 1996 - 1998

Grady Smith

TVC Wholesale, Inc. Florence, AL 1988 - 1989

40

Sherwin Herring

Southco Distributing Company Goldsboro, NC 2004-2006

Jack Cofer

James D. Cofer, Inc. Atlanta, GA 1994 - 1996

John Head

Head Distributing Company Smyrna, GA 1986 - 1988

Steve Shing

Grocery Supply Co. Sulphur Springs, TX 2002-2004

Ken Caldwell

Caldwell Wholesale Tobacco Co. Shreveport, LA 1992 - 1994

A.C. May

Pelican Cigar Co. Lake Charles, LA 1985 - 1986

Mike Jones

Andalusia Distributing Co., Inc. Andalusia, AL 2000-2002

Scott Fisher

Spartan Automatic Retailers Memphis, TN 1990 - 1992

John Green

P.M. Green & Sons Cleveland, TN 1979 - 1980

SAWD 2014

Paris Hotel & Casino April 21-23, 2015 Las Vegas, Nevada

SAVE THE DATE Show Dates: April 22-23, 2015 SAWD 2014

41

2014 SAWD Executive Committee

Dick Dunham

President Stephenson Wholesale Co. Durant, OK

Randy Emanuelson Vice President Team Sledd Wheeling, WV

42

Paula Glidewell

Vice President/Comptroller Glidewell Distributing Co. Fort Smith, AR

Ricky Jones

Board Chairman Andalusia Distributing Co., Inc. Andalusia, AL

Randy Long Vice President Long Wholesale Corinth, MS

Greg Martin

Chief Executive Officer SAWD Suwanee, GA

SAWD 2014

Committed to Service, Delivering Success!

As a leading supplier of convenience store products for more than 40 years, Douglas Companies has been committed to delivering success for our customers.

When our trucks roll, our customers are ensured they will get the best possible products and pricing. From candy and snacks to coffee and food programs, Douglas can deliver success to your door.

Steve Douglas and Susie Douglas Munson

200 Exchange Avenue Conway, Arkansas 72032

Phone 866-329-6866 Fax 501-329-6191

www.douglascompanies.com

SAWD 2014

43

2014 SAWD State Directors

Nick Zaden

Marty Howell

Steve Douglas

City Wholesale Grocery Birmingham, AL

H.T. Hackney Opp, AL

Douglas Companies Texarkana, AR

Sam Stewart

Don Childers

Charlie Casper

Steward Distribution Waycross, GA

Home Folks Wholesale Augusta, GA

Hardecâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elizabethtown, KY

Dan McIntyre Jackson Wholesale Jackson, KY

44

Keith Landen Franklin Supply Franklin, LA

Emile Cantrell Imperial Trading Elmwood, LA

Liz Joachim Corso, Inc. Biloxi, MS

SAWD 2014

Back

Re

ni ple

shm

stoc

kM

ana

gem

en

ent

t

Opt

na

gem

ent

Dynam i c P

king

ut Aw

l Pic

ay

ima

Re

Ma

RF

tur

n

s

cei

vin

Re

g

See us at

SAWD Booth #312 Schedule an online demo of DAC today! » www.cdrsoftware.com/demo » or call 800-841-0202 SAWD 2014

Ann Arbor, MI 734-222-9930

Covington, LA 1-800-841-0202 45

2014 SAWD State Directors

Corey Cooper

Lawson Williams

Tom Dunlop The Corr Williams Company Pearl, MS

Bill Wilkerson J. L. Gaddy Wholesale Hickory Grove, SC

Scott McPherson Core-Mark Fort Worth, TX

46

Stephenson Wholesale Durant, OK

M. R. Williams Henderson, NC

Jeff Leischner H. T. Hackney Columbia, SC

Robin Ray Atlantic Dominion Distributors Virginia Beach, VA

Jim Naifeh Standard Distributing Co. Sapulpa, OK

Chad Pickel Amcon Distributing.

Crossville, TN

Elvin Smythers Merchants Grocery Co., Inc. Culpepper, VA

SAWD 2014

College Scholarships $15,000 to be Awarded This is a wonderful opportunity for students in college or technical school to help defray their school expenses. The deadline for college scholarship applications was April 20, 2014, and we had over 30 students apply for the scholarships. Over $15,000 in scholarships will be given away at the show! Thanks to contributions from members into the Southernâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Education Fund, we are able to fund all of the education functions at the convention as well as give away over $15,000 in scholarships to our members, employees and family members. Scholarships are selected from applications from dues paid members. Contact the SAWD office if you would like an application for 2015!! 770-932-5810.

SAWD 2014

47

2014 At-Large Directors

Nelson Parker Allison Wholesale, Inc. Paint Rock, AL

Hugh Raetzsch

George Naumann Renfro Supply Company Williamsburg, KY

Lyons Specialty Port Allen, LA

Jack Casanova

Chad Gummer

Churchpoint Wholesale Churchpoint, LA

Gummer Wholesale Health, OH

James â&#x20AC;&#x153;Buckyâ&#x20AC;?

Johnson J.F. Johnson, Inc. Batesburg-Leesville, SC

2014 SAWD Board Broker Rep, SLD Rep, Legislative Liaison

Bob Taylor, Sr. Broker Representative Burdette Beckmann, Inc. Hollywood, FL

48

Donnie Childers SLD Representative Home Folks Wholesale Augusta, GA

Bennett Roberts Broker Representative Matrix Brokerage Chapel Hill, NC

Dave Riser Legislative Liaison R.J. Reynolds Winston-Salem, NC

SAWD 2014

www.stewartcandy.com

Manufacturer Representatives

Rick Di Donato

Commonwealth Altadis USA

April Drummond

Altria Sales & Distribution

Jebb Maginnis

Creative Data Research

Mandi Clark

Michael Hughes The Hershey Company

Jack Link’s Beef Jerky

Carter Adair

Tom Brice

Bob Klein

Clark Sturdivant

Dave Johnson

Steve Sandman

Dot Foods

Lorillard Tobacco Company

National Tobacco

Victoria Person-Goral R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.

50

Tony Clanton Swedish Match

Nestlé USA

Lil’ Drug Store

Republic Tobacco

Bill Dunn

Swisher International, Inc.

SAWD 2014

SAWD 2014

51

Old Dominion Tobacco Co. A.T.C. Wholesale Trading as

Headquarters Virginia Beach, VA Hope Mills, NC Since 1875

52

SAWD 2014

A Family Business Since 1926

Providing what you need, when you need it

SAWD 2014

53

SLD 2013â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2014 SLD Officers and Directors Officers Donnie Childers, Home Folks Wholesale, Augusta, GA, President April Garver, Southco Distributing, Goldsboro, NC, Vice President Barry Krebs, Keebler Company, Mableton, GA, Treasurer Miles Anderson, Lorillard Tobacco Company, Jacksonville, FL, Secretary Chris Smythers, Merchants Grocery, Culpeper, VA, Board Chairman

Directors Chris Herbert, Altria Group Distribution Co., Charlotte, NC Chris Jones, Andalusia Distributing Co., Andalusia, AL Jeff Thompson, Douglas Companies, Conway, AR Leanne Wilkerson, J. L. Gaddy Wholesale, Hickory Grove, SC Michelle Glidewell, Glidewell Distributing, Fort Smith, AR Brad Brown, Halpern Import Co., Atlanta, GA Colby Carmichael, Long Wholesale Dist., Corinth, MS Chuck Schimmel, Lyons Specialty, Port Allen, LA Robbie Surratt, Merchants Grocery, Culpeper, VA Mike Thorner, National Tobacco, Louisville, KY Ron Leitner, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco, Winston-Salem, NC Jake Stewart, Stewart Distribution, Waycross, GA Maria Miro-Narlock, Spotlight Innovations, Brandon, MS Victor Blanco, Swisher, Ponte Vedra, FL Trey Williams, Thomas Williams & Assoc., Atlanta, GA

54

SAWD 2014

SAWD 2014

55

Our focus is “Your Business” in the following markets: FL, N & S Carolina, VA, MD, TN, AL & GA Focused on C-Store Wholesalers and C-Store Retailers.

Max Weiner GM Convenience Channel Phone 954-241-8818 Corporate Office

5851 Johnson Street, Hollywood, FL 33021 Phone 954-983-4360 Fax 954-983-4405

Additional Offices: Burdette Beckmann, Inc.

12830 W. Creek Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23238 Phone 804-346-4949 Fax 804-346-4977

Burdette Beckmann, Inc.

116 Associate Lane, Indian Trail, NC 28079 Phone 704-821-4677 Fax 704-821-4654

Burdette Beckmann, Inc.

516 Douglas Ave., Ste. 1102, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 Phone 407-869-0797 Fax 407-869-0059

56

SAWD 2014

Home Folks Wholesale Co., Inc. Since 1938 Distributors of convenience grocery, candy, tobacco, and general merchandise.

Visit us on the Web at www.homefolksdist.com 2001 Westside Dr., Augusta, GA 30907 706-868-0055 â&#x20AC;˘ 800-762-7588 Fax: 706-868-1154 SAWD 2014

57

It’s amazing what 68 years can do . . .

From the cramped living room of J.W. and Cleo Glidewell’s Fort Smith home, to warehouse space equal to a football field and a half. Growth has been predictable over 68 years and counting, with speed, service and value paving our way to the region’s greatest convenience stores. To our customers, we extend a sincere THANK YOU! Start enjoying the advantages of working with Glidewell Distributing. Call 800-733-4408 and set up your free online account today!

58

SAWD 2014

Officers & Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President VP/Compt.

Vice President Vice President Board Chairman

Dick Dunham Paula Glidewell Randy Long Randy Emanuelson Ricky Jones

Stephenson Wholesale Glidewell Distribution Long Wholesale Sledd Company Andalusia Distributing

STATE DIRECTORS STATE Alabama Alabama Arkansas Florida Georgia Kentucky Kentucky Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi Mississippi North Carolina Oklahoma Oklahoma South Carolina South Carolina Tennessee Texas Virginia Virginia

DIRECTORS COMPANY Marty Howell H. T. Hackney Nick Zaden City Wholesale Steve Douglas Douglas Companies Sam Stewart Stewart Distribution Don Childers Home Folks Wholesale Charlie Casper Hardec’s Dan McIntyre Jackson Wholesale Keith Landen Franklin Supply Emile Cantrell Imperial Trading Liz Joachim Corso, Co. Tom Dunlop Corr Williams Lawson Williams M. R. Williams, Inc. Corey Cooper Stephenson Wholesale Jimmy Naifeh Standard Distributing Co. Bill Wilkerson J.L. Gaddy Jeff Leischner Thomas & Howard Co. /H.T. Hackney Chad Pickel Amcon Distributing Scott McPherson Core-Mark Robin Ray Atlantic Dominion Distributors Elvin Smythers Merchants Grocery Co., Inc.

AT-LARGE DIRECTORS NAME COMPANY Nelson Parker Allison Wholesale (AL) Gordon Munden Atlantic Dominion (NC) James “Bucky” Johnson J.F. Johnson (SC) Hugh Raetzsch Lyons Specialty (LA) George Naumann Renfro Supply (KY) Jack Casanova Churchpoint Wholesale (LA) Chad Gummer Gummer Wholesale (OH)

60

SAWD 2014

Elected and Installed BROKER & SLD REPRESENTATIVES/LEGISLATIVE LIAISON NAME Bob Taylor Bennett Roberts Chris Smythers Dave Riser

COMPANY BROKER/SLD Burdette Beckmann Broker Representative Matrix Brokerage Broker Representative Merchants Grocery SLD Representative R. J. Reynolds Legislative Liaison MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVES

NAME COMPANY April Drummond Altria Sales and Distribution Rick Di Donato Commonwealth Altadis USA Jebb Maginnis Creative Data Research Mandi Clark Dot Foods Carter Adair Jack Links Beef Jerky Tom Brice Lil’ Drug Store Products Bob Klein Lorillard Tobacco Clark Sturdivant National Tobacco David Johnson Nestlé USA Dave Riser R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Victoria Person-Goral R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Steve Sandman Republic Tobacco Tony Clanton Swedish Match Bill Dunn Swisher International, Inc. Michael Hughes The Hershey Company

COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS NAME Jimmy Stewart Mark Davenport Sherwin Herring Steve Shing Mike Jones Robert Pierpoint Duane Schneider Jack Cofer Ken Caldwell Scott Fisher Dick Bray Grady Smith John Head A. C. May John Green Bert Trompeter

SAWD 2014

YEAR(S) SERVED 2008-2010 2006-2008 2004-2006 2002-2004 2000-2002 1998-2000 1996-1998 1994-1996 1992-1994 1990-1992 1989-1990 1988-1989 1986-1988 1985-1986 1979-1980 1973-1976

COMPANY Stewart Distribution J. T. Davenport & Sons, Inc. Southco Distributing Grocery Supply Company Andalusia Distributing Company Imperial Trading Company DUSA Distribution Center James D. Cofer, Inc. Caldwell Wholesale Spartan Automatic Retailers Premier Beverage & Equipment TVC Wholesale Head Distributing Pelican Cigar P.M. Green and Sons John F. Trompeter Company

61

A Full Service Convenience Store Supplier

Since 1937 (256) 776-3268 â&#x20AC;˘ 1-800-239-5173 Fax: (256) 776-4717 Highway 72 East Paint Rock, Alabama 35764 www.allisonwholesale.com 62

SAWD 2014

www.RisingChurch.org

SAWD 2014

63

T

he Southern’s 2013 Annual Meeting and Trade Show was held at the Westin Savannah Harbor and Savannah International Trade & Convention Center in Savannah, GA. The meeting featured the 2nd largest trade show for convenience wholesalers in the country: Southern Showcase 2013.

In addition, attendees received outstanding industry-specific educational sessions, updates on industry and legislative issues and a host of networking opportunities including: golf at The Golf Club at Savannah Harbor, awards dinners on Thursday and Friday eve64

nings, the Silent Auction that benefits the SAWD Education Fund, the Hospitality Suite with our very own Karaoke entertainment, a Meeting With a Mission event, a “700 Cooking School” optional outing, and an evening out that included a party at Tubby’s Tank House.

The Southern Board of Directors and Committees of the association met to carry on the business of the organization.

We would like to extend a sincere debt of gratitude to our sponsors for their part in making this meeting such a tremendous success.

SAWD 2014

SAWD Education Fund

2013 Annual Meeting Sponsors Altria Sales & Distribution American Snuff Co. Burdette Beckmann Commonwealth Altadis USA Creative Data Research Dot Foods The Hershey Company SAWD 2014

Jack Links Beef Jerky Kellogg’s Lil Drug Lorillard Tobacco Matrix Brokerage National Tobacco Co. Nestlé USA

R.J. Reynolds Republic Tobacco SAWD Education Fund Smokey Mountain Snuff Swedish Match Swisher International World Kitchens 65

MIDYEAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Montelucia Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, AZ The Southern’s Midyear Meeting of the Board of Director’s was held in sunny Scottsdale, AZ at the beautiful Omni Hotels’ – Montelucia Resort & Spa on February 13th – 15th, 2014.

This meeting usually sets the direction of the organization for the coming year and this year was no exception. Thanks to this meeting, we feel that the 91st SAWD Annual Meeting set for Savannah , Georgia on June 3-6th will be another successful event not to be missed.

All of the Southern’s committees met, including Finance & Budget, Education, Conventions & Meetings, Government Affairs and the Executive Committee.

A full report of committee activities will be made during the Annual Meeting in Savannah.

66

We would like to extend a sincere debt of gratitude to all of the members of the Board who were able to make the meeting in Scottsdale. Extremely bad weather in the South and East made it difficult, and for some, impossible to attend the meeting. For those of us that did make it to Scottsdale, WOW, what wonderful weather we were treated to! It was unanimous that this is a location to return to in the near future. The Montelucia Hotel & Spa was a perfect venue to enjoy working, sharing, brainstorming and networking and of course managing to find time for some fun in that wonderfully sunny Scottsdale weather.

We would certainly like to express our thanks to our sponsors for their part in making this meeting such a success!

2014 SAWD Midyear Sponsors Platinum Sponsors Altria Group Distribution Company American Snuff Commonwealth Altadis R.J. Reynolds Gold Sponsors Creative Data Research Jack Links Beef Jerky Lil’ Drug Store Products Lorillard Tobacco National Tobacco Nestle USA Republic Tobacco Swedish Match Swisher International Silver Sponsors Burdette Beckmann Dot Foods Matrix Brokerage Republic Tobacco SAWD 2014

SAWD 2014

67

Wholesale Distributors Serving Kentucky, West Virginia and Ohio with candy, tobacco products, groceries, paper goods and institutional items.

We Sell The Old Fashioned Wayâ&#x20AC;Ś We Show It! Ashland Specialty Co.

Wholesale Distributors 125 29th Street â&#x20AC;˘ Ashland, Kentucky 41101 Bud Copley President 68

Lisa Scott Vice President SAWD 2014

SAWD 2014

69

2013 SAWD College Scholarship Winners Left to Right: Dana Ricard, Leah Johnson, $5,000 scholarship winners.

Technical Scholarship winner Tori Cotton with Steve Shing of Grocery Supply Co.

T

hanks to the support of the SAWD Education Fund and the Annual Silent Auction, the Southern has been able to provide college scholarships for Southern Member employees and their families.

The Southern was pleased to announce at the 2013 Southern Showcase and Annual Meeting the winners of the 2013 SAWD College Scholarships. For 2013, the applicants were asked to write an essay on the topic, “Should the Federal Government start taxing candy, 70

snack foods and beverages based on their sugar and fat content to encourage people to eat healthier?”

We had 39 applicants in 2013, all with creative and very interesting essays. Choosing just three was not an easy task for the SAWD Scholarship Jury!

The three $5,000 scholarships were won by Leah Johnson, who attends Clemson University and is the daughter of David Johnson with Nestle USA; Dana Ricard at Oakland University whose father is Richard Ricard with Republic Tobacco; and John “Lane” Silva from the College

of Coastal Georgia and is the son of William Silva with Stewart Candy.

Tori Cotton, who is attending the Flight Safety Academy, won the $2,000 Technical School Scholarship.

Tori is the daughter of Diana Cotton with Grocery Supply Co. We want to congratulate these scholarship winners and wish them the best!

The Southern will be announcing the 2014 winners at the Southern meeting in Savannah, GA this June.

Best of luck to all who applied writing an essay on the topic, “As a consumer in 2014, how does social media influence your purchasing decisions?”

SAWD 2014

Should the Federal Government Start Taxing Candy, Snack Foods, and Beverages Based on Their Sugar and Fat Content to Encourage People to Eat Healthier?

F

By Leah Johnson, one of the $5000 scholarship winners

amous American author Robert A. Heinlein stated “There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him.” While many Congressmen believe that taxing food and drinks that are high in sugar and fat content will discourage people from consuming them, I believe this will not be the result. Instead, I think that taxing unhealthy food and drinks will only anger citizens, as it infringes upon their rights, and it will not effectively deter their consumption.

First, to determine whether taxes on unhealthy foods and drinks would be effective, we must pose the question: what drives people to eat in an unhealthy manner? Is it that unhealthy food is cheaper, or that people just prefer the taste and comfort of junk food? A series of survey results testify to the latter. In fact, many health professionals believe that the constant pursuit of unhealthy foods can be a symptom of food addiction and is difficult to control. Dr. Bart Hoebel of the Department of Psychology at Princeton University states, “Sugar and other junk foods, due to their powerful effect on the reward centers of the brain, function similarly to drugs of abuse like cocaine and nicotine.” If people are driven to purchase candy, snack foods and beverages to satisfy cravings due to addiction, an increase in the price of these items from taxes SAWD 2014

will not be enough to stop them.

In cases not as extreme as food addiction, some people just consume foods that are high in sugar and fat content as an occasional indulgence.

For those that are not regular consumers of unhealthy food and drinks, the tax seems like an unnecessary precaution and a frustrating method to increase government revenue.

Ultimately, the imposed tax is destined to upset and anger citizens because it blurs the line between the rights of the government and the rights of the people. Does the power of the government outlined in the Constitution really include the right to penalize citizens for purchasing an occasional soda or candy bar? In my opinion, the answer is “no” and the tax is an alarming display of governmental power being stretched too far.

Lastly, the best way to prepare for the future is to learn from the past, so analyzing the results of previous governmental efforts to deter citizens’ behavior can help predict the outcome of a tax on food and drinks high in sugar and fat content. The first example occurred in 1794 when Alexander Hamilton imposed the first federal excise tax on tobacco products.

The excise tax was ineffective and led James Madison to later oppose it by claiming the tax “deprived poor people of innocent gratification.” For a

second example, governmental efforts to prevent alcohol consumption in the 1920’s Prohibition resulted in the illegal production and trade of alcohol.

Crime increased as well as the profits of illegal producers and vendors, such as speakeasies. Therefore, if prohibiting alcohol failed to prevent it from being consumed, and taxing tobacco drove poor citizens deeper into poverty, why would taxing unhealthy food and drinks produce results?

Overall, while some may argue that taxing food and drinks with high sugar and high fat content will curb obesity and reduce health costs, I believe this will not be the result. While I acknowledge that the health of citizens is an issue that needs to be addressed, I believe that using taxation as a method of resolution will not be effective. Instead, the government could provide small subsidies to health food companies or local farmers to allow for a price reduction on unhealthy foods.

Also, the government can implement healthy eating campaigns and use promotional efforts to encourage exercise.

Instead of targeting specific foods and drinks through an excise tax, the government should look to the lifestyle of citizens and should encourage healthy changes instead of forcing them. After all, Francis Scott Key’s famously coined phrase, “the land of the free” should hold true, with no exception for food or beverage choices. n 71

Advertisers Directory A Special Thanks To All Listed Below Who Make Our Convention Magazine Possible!

Allison Wholesale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

King Maker Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Altria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Kellogg’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Andalusia Distributing Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Long Wholesale Distributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Ashland Specialty Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Merchant’s Grocery Company, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Atlantic Dominion Distributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Burdette Beckmann. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 City Wholesale Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Commonwealth – Altadis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 17 Core-Mark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

MOBISOFT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 National Tobacco Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 NATO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Nestlé. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 R. J. Reynolds/American Snuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Corso, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Republic Tobacco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Creative Data Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Santa Fe National Tobacco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Douglas Companies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 GSC Enterprises, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Glidewell Distributing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 H.T. Hackney Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Hardec’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Hershey USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Southco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Standard Distributing Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Stephenson Wholesale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Stewart Candy Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Swedish Match.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Home Folks Wholesale Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Swisher International, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover

Inter-Continental Cigar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Team Sledd.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

J. F. Johnson, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

U. S. Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Jack Link’s Beef Jerky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Velociti Alliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

72

SAWD 2014