S3 to Hold First Student Industry Case Competition

The National Grocers Association (N.G.A.) said that this year's 2011 N.G.A. Annual Convention and Supermarket Synergy Showcase (S3) would feature the first annual Food Industry University Coalition Student Industry Case Competition, hosted by the Asparagus Club, which was founded in 1909 to foster a spirit of cooperation and fellowship among grocery industry members. The convention will take place Feb. 13 through Feb. 16, 2011, at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas.

The competition will provide student attendees the opportunity to deal with a real-world contemporary retail business challenge. Working in teams, contestants will collaboratively analyze, present and respond to questions posed by a panel of judges.

Each university in the coalition will be able to sand a team of undergraduates to vie against other schools’ teams. Besides challenging students, the experience promises to provide a networking opportunity, and ultimately raise students' awareness of the importance of the independent grocery industry.

Among the prizes are a $5,000 scholarship to the winning school, a $3,000 scholarship to the winning school team and a $1,000 scholarship to the runner-up team. Additionally, the winning team will present its analysis as part of the educational workshops.

This year's convention of the Arlington, Va,-based N.G.A. will have the theme “Commitment to Excellence: Taking Charge of Change."

For more information or to register online, visit www.nationalgrocers.org or call (703) 516-0700.