AWMA Rebrands as Convenience Distribution Association

The American Wholesale Marketers Association (AWMA) has changed its name to the Convenience Distribution Association (CDA) to more effectively reflect the organization’s activities.

“It is who we are. It is what we do,” said Rob Sincavich, chairman of the new CDA. “We distribute convenience products in varying retail formats and store sizes. We distribute convenience products institutionally. When we talk to our government representatives, they will know who we are and what we do. It makes sense.”

The name change will be phased in during the coming months.  “While the AWMA name has served us well, it has presented some challenges,” added Scott Ramminger, CDA CEO and president. “Every time we go to Capitol Hill we have to explain who it is we represent. Convenience Distribution Association is pretty clear. While we were making other changes, it was a great time to get the name right.”

The association’s board, which approved the name change during its Feb. 24 meeting, also endorsed a range of association enhancements that include:

• The launch of an online State Advocacy Center as part of an increased emphasis on government affairs.
• The hiring of two industry veterans – Steve Shing as VP of member engagement and David Dresser as VP of program development – to increase industry affairs and member engagement efforts.
• More cooperation with other industry associations to improve efficacy of programs as well as supply chain collaboration and efficiency.
• Networking communities to allow sharing and learning at both in-person events and on custom-built online portals.
• Establish a Manufacturer Advisory Council to garner greater input from manufacturing partners.
• Provide more information and more readily available information with a new emphasis on digital content delivery.

The CDA is an international trade association working on behalf of convenience distributors in the United States.