WASHINGTON, D.C. During the 2014 ABA Convention Morning Business Session on March 17, attendees will gather in Scottsdale, Ariz., to hear from Peter Larkin, President and CEO of the National Grocers Association (NGA). His presentation, “Collaborating with Independent Grocers to Drive Growth,” will examine the economic impact of the independent retail grocery industry and how suppliers can be value-added partners.
Drawing on his experiences as the executive of a trade association representing over 1,000 independent grocers, wholesalers, product manufacturers and service suppliers, Mr. Larkin will discuss the top issues impacting independent retail grocers – including data and technology, changing customer demographics, the health and wellness focus of customers and access to financial capital. He will also highlight best-in-class retail grocery innovators and how they are “Thinking Outside the Box to Shape the Future.”
Prior to joining NGA, Mr. Larkin established his own government relations consulting firm. He had previously held the role of President and CEO of the California Grocers Association (CGA) where he served as chief legislative advocate of the association, chief liaison with related regional and national associations and chief media spokesperson for the organization. Mr. Larkin's other responsibilities included overseeing the association's annual convention, educational programs, publications, member services and human resources. He also served as the President of the CGA Educational Foundation and was an officer of the California Shopping Cart Retrieval Corporation (a for-profit subsidiary of CGA).
Mr. Larkin was also formerly the Vice President of State Government Relations and Environmental Affairs for the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining FMI, Mr. Larkin managed government and media relations programs for The Kroger Co. He also held similar positions with the Tobacco Institute and Philip Morris U.S.A. After earning a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Vermont in 1976, he served as legislative assistant to U.S. Representative Donald Mitchell (R-NY).
The 2014 ABA Convention is the premier annual gathering of the industry’s top leaders — bakers, retailers, suppliers and partner organizations. Bringing together hundreds of these individuals, the 2014 Convention in Arizona will focus on how innovation is shaping the industry’s future. Register today for this important industry event! More information may be found at www.americanbakers.org
About the American Bakers Association:
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 700 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $102 billion in economic activity annually and employs more than 633,000 highly skilled people.
Source: American Bakers Association