Partnering in Spotlight as Midwinter Launches

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The first-time co-location of Food Marketing Institute's Midwinter Executive Conference with the Grocery Manufacturers Association's Chairman's Reception, Lecture and Dinner helped set the stage for enhanced trading partner interactions, according to attendees here this week.

The GMA program on Saturday night was followed by the FMI Midwinter kickoff Sunday with a football-themed event. Midwinter's series of business sessions and other gatherings are being packed into a busy schedule Monday and Tuesday.

Pam Bailey

"I'm thrilled to hold this event in the midst of the FMI Midwinter Conference," said Pam Bailey, GMA's president and CEO, of her association's program.

Her remarks were echoed by Tim Smucker, chairman, The J.M. Smucker Co., who received a GMA award and told some 400 attendees at the Chairman's Dinner, "The co-location of GMA and the FMI conference allows us to be a part of something bigger."

Read more: Wegman, Smucker Honored for Achievements

The theme of partnering was underscored at the GMA event by the presentation of the association's Industry Collaboration Leadership Award to Fred Morganthall, president and COO of Harris Teeter and the current FMI chairman.

Other collaboration opportunities at Midwinter include a series of Strategic Executive Exchanges meetings between trading partners.