The Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors (SAWD) held their 88th annual meeting and trade show at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando last week. It featured four days of networking, education, awards ceremonies, silent auction and a two-day trade show in the great city of Orlando.  AWMA’s Bob Pignato and AWMA Convenience Distribution magazine’s Joel Brown attended.  “This is a fantastic meeting that the SAWD puts on every year, and I always enjoy attending,” said AWMA’s Bob Pignato.  “Most of the SAWD members are members of the AWMA, and they always make us feel welcome.  I look forward to attending next year.”

Pictured L to R:  Bob Pignato of AWMA, Corey Cooper and DIck Dunham, of Stephenson Wholesale, and Greg Martin of SAWD.

The opening keynote speaker was Drayton McLane, chairman of the McLane Group and owner of the Houston Astros.  McLane’s session was named, From Distribution to Dugout: Lessons Learned From Business and Baseball.   Other sessions included Doing Business in a Culturally Diverse Environment; a session presentation by Al Bates, chairman & president, Profit Planning Group, on profitability; and a government affairs update with Dave Riser, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.; Ron Tully, National Tobacco Co. L.P.; and Tom Briant, NATO.  Beyond the sessions was a very busy two-day expo floor with many show deals for distributors. Look for a recap in the September/October issue of Convenience Distribution, which will highlight the Southern’s annual meeting and award recipients.