Live From NGA: Show Opens With Record Attendance

The NGA Show 2017 opened at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas with more than 3,400 registered attendees; the seventh consecutive year with record-breaking attendance levels. Former Speaker of the House John Boehner opened the show as keynote speaker, an event sponsored by The Kraft Heinz Co. He shared some of his experiences on Capital Hill, noting that “there is a big difference between compromising principles and seeking common ground. You should not ever compromise your principles, but you should absolutely seek to find common ground.”

“The NGA Show continues to experience growth, showcasing that this event is truly the event where independents gather," said Peter Larkin, president and CEO of Arlington, Va.-based NGA. "We are excited to continue to build off of the momentum from previous NGA Shows."

The association also named its board of directors, which included he addition of teight new member to the board, and the NGA Research and Education Foundation recognized its student scholarship winners for the 2016-17 academic year at a brunch sponsored by Chobani.

“The NGA Research and Education Foundation has accomplished a lot in its 25 years of service, but I know we can do more,” said Elizabeth Crocker, VP and executive director of the foundation. “I look forward to refocusing our energy and putting more resources toward serving the foundation’s mission of recruiting, training and retaining new talent for our industry.”

2016/2017 NGA Research and Education Foundation Scholarships:

• The Charlie and Becky Bray Scholarship was awarded to Jacob Crowell, a current student at Western Michigan University. He is pursuing a degree in food and consumer packaged goods marketing.
• The Roger Collins Scholarship was awarded to Michael Navarro, who is currently working on his degree in business/food management from Arizona State University.
• The First Data Technology Scholarship recipients are Jennifer Bell and David Rosen. Bell is currently attending the University of North Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in learning technologies, and Rosen is working on his MBA at the University of La Verne.
• The Kimberly-Clark Corp. Scholarship was awarded to Antonio Scelfo, who is currently pursuing his degree in finance from Notre Dame University.
• The Peter and Jody Larkin Scholarship was awarded to Dusty Longoria, who is working on a degree in business management from the University of North Texas.
• The Mondelēz International Scholarship was awarded to Michael Standeven, a current student at the University of Texas at Dallas, where he is working on a degree in computer science.
• The Bob Richardson Scholarship was awarded to Sadie Brumfield, who is attending East Tennessee State University, pursing a degree in business.

Asparagus Scholarships Recipients:

• Victoria Conlon is pursuing her degree in marketing analytics at Vanderbilt University.
• Jason Forrester is currently attending Colorado Technical University, where he is working on his MBA.
• Kevin Halcomb is studying business administration at King University.
• Crystal Siemers-Peterman is attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for her degree in agriculture and food business management.
• Michelle Turner is attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she is working on her MBA.

Thomas K. Zaucha Asparagus Club Recipient: The Thomas K. Zaucha Scholarship is given each year to an outstanding applicant who is pursuing a career in the grocery industry, particularly focused on the independent retailer and wholesaler sector.

• Dusty Longoria is currently pursuing a degree in business management at the University of North Texas.

Women Grocers of America (WGA) Mary Macey Scholarship Recipients:

• Jensen Lewis is currently pursuing a degree in business administration at William Jessup University.
• Dusty Longoria is currently pursuing a degree in business management at the University of North Texas.
• Adam Peterson is attending Western Michigan University, where he is pursuing his degree in food and consumer packaged goods marketing.